NRL: Knights sack head coach

The Newcastle Knights have sacked head coach Rick Stone. Photo / Getty

Newcastle have sacked sacked Rick Stone as their NRL coach.

The Knights announced on Monday afternoon that the position of Stone had become "untenable" following the club's 52-6 thrashing by South Sydney on Saturday, the club's 12th loss in 14 matches.

Stone's assistant and club legend Danny Buderus will take over in the interim as Newcastle begin the search for a new coach for the 2016 season.

"We thank Rick for his efforts and loyalty over a long period of time and while these decisions are never easy, it was made in the best interests of the club," chief executive Matt Gidley said in a statement.

"The club will now undertake a formal review process of our entire football operations, of which the playing group are a key part, and all have the opportunity to demonstrate over the next seven weeks why they should retain their position.

"The club strives to build a consistent, competitive and entertaining team and this formal review process will help us achieve this."

After winning their first four games of the season, the Knights have enjoyed just two victories since and sit second last on the NRL ladder.

-AAP