Justin Holbrook agrees long-term deal with Warrington Wolves – Australian reports
Warrington Wolves have secured their top target with Justin Holbrook agreeing to a four-year deal as head coach, reports in Australia claim.
Renowned commentator and journalist Andrew Voss has reported that the Super League winning head coach has agreed terms at the Halliwell Jones Stadium for a return to England.
Following the departure of Daryl Powell on Sunday, 47-year-old Holbrook was quickly named favourite by bookmakers to take over the vacant Super League head coaching role.
Lee Briers, Shaun Wane and Adam O’Brien also listed by Super League’s sponsors Betfred.
However, Warrington have reportedly secured their top target.
“I’m hearing Justin Holbrook has signed a four-year deal at Warrington,” ‘Vossy’ stated.
“Believed to be a lucrative contract that includes big bonuses built in for trophies won.”
Holbrook won the competition back in 2019 with St Helens before returning to Australia with Gold Coast Titans as head coach. He was sacked earlier this year due to performances and results.
The coach was reportedly interviewed on Tuesday, while Love Rugby League also heard whispers on Wednesday evening about Holbrook’s four-year deal at the HJS.
BREAKING | @AndrewVossy reports: I'm hearing Justin Holbrook has signed a four-year deal at @WarringtonRLFC. Believed to be a lucrative contract that includes big bonuses built in for trophies won.
— SEN Breakfast with Vossy & Brandy (@VossyBrandySEN) August 2, 2023
Jon Wilkin backs Justin Holbrook for Warrington
Former St Helens forward Jon Wilkin, who played two years under Holbrook at the Totally Wicked Stadium, has backed Warrington’s pursuit of the Australian coach.
Wilkin, now 39, made 424 career appearances for the Saints before later joining Toronto Wolfpack in 2019, and hanging up the boots the following season.
Speaking with Sky Sports presenter Jenna Brooks, Wilkin said: “I think Justin Holbrook would be the right man.
“Justin Holbrook came to coach me at St Helens at a time in which we were a big club but we were sort of wandering around a bit, we were fourth or fifth in the league.
“Justin simplified everything, got us all exciting to be at work and it’s such basic stuff. He made training fun again, he made coming to work fun again and I think that’s what Warrington need.”
Head of youth Gary Chambers was appointed interim head coach following Powell’s departure, with Warrington set to take on Catalans Dragons on Friday night, live on Sky Sports.
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