A Batemans Bay junior - having moved there from Goulburn at age three - O'Brien has in just three months fit into the one-team town with ease.

"I grew up in a coastal country town which has many similarities to Newcastle," he said.

A matter of the stars aligning for the 42-year-old.

"There are plenty of positives for me coming to Newcastle ... the playing roster, the financial backing of the Wests Group, the huge supporter base and the good-hearted people who have welcomed both my wife and I to the region [since settling in Charlestown]."

Part of that region takes in Port Stephens and O'Brien admits to being very impressed following a weekend he spent at the Wests-owned Anchorage resort with his new-look coaching panel not long after his September appointment.

"It's a beautiful area and one that I have told my wife we will be visiting often in the future."

So when Port Stephens-based Knights player mentor Allan Bell invited the newcomer to speak at a Men of League (MoL) kick-off day, O'Brien did not hesitate.

"I am a strong supporter of the foundation and the work they do for the wider rugby league community. In fact my dad helped start up a chapter back home."

"I feel I have a duty to give back to the game that has given me so much ... it's vital in this day and age that the league community looks after those who have fallen on hard times."

The luncheon will take place on Friday, February 7, at Soldiers Point Bowling Club from 12 noon.

Diehard Knights supporters would be pleased to hear that as a young halfback/five eighth playing for the Bay Tigers, O'Brien based his game on defence, which he says will serve him well in his step up as a coach.

"Defence wins premierships," he said.

It's a long held view in league circles but O'Brien, having served a 12-year apprenticeship under the likes of Bellamy, Robinson and Arthur, is not about to paint himself into a corner by making bold predictions of where the Knights might finish in 2020.

"I understand there is an expectation from supporters of top eight finishes and such, but I don't want to draw a line or place a limit on what can be achieved. My focus is on being the best team we can possibly be and the signs heading into the Christmas break are good. I have been very impressed with the players' work ethic and their energy."

O'Brien said that a recent week-long football camp in Tamworth had delivered many benefits.

"The training sessions were tough and the connection activities were positive.

The players also participated in coaching clinics and helped out some of the drought-affected farmers in that region.

"But the emphasis was on building a training and work ethic, it was not just a public relations exercise. I didn't hear any whinging."

He may be untested but no one can deny O'Brien his opportunity at the elite level. And after working so long as an assistant, no-one can accuse him of being impatient.

"In our early days at Melbourne Storm, Brad and I had to mould an under 20 team of players who hailed from all parts including New Zealand and Queensland. We had to be more than coaches, sometimes a father or an older brother. We won a premiership in our second season but more importantly we developed nine future first graders."

At the Storm end-of-season dinner in 2017, O'Brien was inducted as a life member of the club by his mentor of 11 years, Craig Bellamy, and he paid homage to the great coach in a farewell speech: "I owe my life to you. The hardest thing I ever had to do was talk to you about leaving. My life is in such a better place having your support."

Offers of a first grade gig came and went over the past 16 months until the Knights came knocking. For O'Brien it all made sense - one team town, coastal country, financial security, a parochial and engaging supporter base and a fresh start for a man driven by a desire to succeed.

Tickets to the Men of League fundraising luncheon are $25 and can be purchased at the Soldiers Point Bowling Club.