Justin Holbrook keen to extend contract with St Helens

Justin Holbrook’s contract with St Helens expires at the end of the season, but he has admitted that he has no plans to return home in 2020.

The Australian arrived at Saints midway through the 2017 season and guided them to League Leaders’ Shield success last season.

Holbrook’s side sit top of the Super League table after 11 games in 2019, having won 10 matches so far.

When asked about his future at St Helens beyond this season, Holbrook replied: “I haven’t got any plans to [leave].

“I’ve had a chat to the chairman [Eamonn McManus] and we both agreed that because it’s the busy Easter period that we will have a chat next month, so I’m happy with that and he’s happy with that.

“I’m obviously enjoying it here, it’s a great club and I love the playing group. I’ve enjoyed it since I got here so we will see what happens.”

A hat-trick from Regan Grace helped Saints beat arch rivals Wigan 36-10 at the DW Stadium in the traditional Good Friday derby.

And Holbrook reckons Wales internationals Grace and Morgan Knowles are in with a shot of making the Great Britain squad this autumn.

He added: “Regan is such a good player to watch run with the ball.

“He is exciting, he is quick and he scored a great try in the second half. He’s definitely capable [of playing for Great Britain] but there are so many good wingers available. It’s only early in the season but he is more than capable.

“For me, Morgan is the most underrated player in Super League. He is not underrated in our side because of how much we value him but when you talk about Great Britain tours, he is the first player I’d pick – he is that good.

“He has worked so hard from the start of pre-season and he is a pleasure to coach. Our whole forward pack is playing really well and he is a big part of that.”

Holbrook revealed Mark Percival (hamstring) and Louie McCarthy-Scarsbrook (knee) are facing lengthy spells on the sidelines, but Theo Fages could return from a hip injury against Hull FC on Monday.