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Adam O'Brien and Jason Ryles are among a number of contenders who could replace Nathan Brown as NRL coach at Newcastle in 2020.

CONTENDERS TO COACH NEWCASTLE IN 2020

ADAM O'BRIEN: Experienced Sydney Roosters assistant who cut his teeth under Craig Bellamy at Melbourne. Now considered the frontrunner after Craig Fitzgibbon and Kevin Walters pulled out of the race.

JASON RYLES: Assistant at Melbourne since the start of 2019. Former teammate of Nathan Brown at St George Illawarra, he is highly regarded and is an assistant coach with the Junior Kangaroos.

KRISTIAN WOOLF: Current assistant at Newcastle. Has done a tremendous job galvanising Tonga but has been linked to Justin Holbrook's job at St Helens.

SHANE FLANAGAN: His record speaks for itself with a premiership at Cronulla in 2016 and seven finals finishes in eight years. He was however deregistered by the NRL earlier this year and no time frame has been placed on his return.

ANTHONY GRIFFIN: Has a strong record at both Brisbane and Penrith despite being axed by the latter last year. Is available and on the market with no current ties.

GARTH BRENNAN: Axed by the Gold Coast last month after he failed to get the best out of his Titans rebuild. Has links to Newcastle after being an assistant at the Knights early in his career.

DAVID FURNER: Back in Australia after being sacked by Leeds after just 14 games in charge in the English Super League this year. Has been an assistant at North Queensland and South Sydney since he was last in control of an NRL club in Canberra in 2013.

TRENT BARRETT: Free to join another club after his messy 12 months of gardening leave ended at Manly. Is reported to be joining Penrith.

GEOFF TOOVEY: Has previously indicated his desire to get back in the coaching game after last having charge of Manly in 2014. Would be considered a long shot.

NEIL HENRY: One of the most experienced options available to the Knights after stints at Canberra, North Queensland and Gold Coast. Is the current Junior Kangaroos coach but is not believed to have been contacted by the Knights.