One named club meets with sacked NRL coach Justin Holbrook
Justin Holbrook has attracted interest from one named NRL club. Photo by AAP Image/Jason O'Brien.
One named NRL club has reportedly met with sacked Australian coach and Super League winner Justin Holbrook.
The Sydney Morning Herald has reported that the Newcastle Knights have held discussions with the 47-year-old head coach, threatening current boss Adam O’Brien’s job.
O’Brien, who was appointed in September 2019, has reportedly been made aware of a meeting between Knights officials and Holbrook, writes Michael Chammas.
Newcastle Knights have turned around their recent form, winning their last four games over Canterbury Bulldogs, Wests Tigers, Melbourne Storm and Canberra Raiders respectively, with the play-offs in sight.
The side sit just below a finals spot in ninth position, just one point away from North Queensland Cowboys, Cronulla Sharks and South Sydney Rabbitohs all above.
Newcastle Knights have reportedly told O’Brien’s agent that the club are not in a position to extend the 45-year-old’s contract beyond the 2024 season when asked.
O’Brien had guided the side to the finals on two occasions in three seasons, while sacked Holbrook only managed to lead Gold Coast Titans to a top eight finish once.
The Super League Grand Final winner with St Helens in 2019 was sacked by his NRL club earlier this year after a poor season in the Gold Coast, with veteran coach Des Hasler set to take charge from next season.
Justin Holbrook previously linked with Super League return
Multiple reports have linked Holbrook with a return to Super League following his exit from the Gold Coast Titans.
Sky Sports presenter Jenna Brooks had previously linked the coach with Warrington Wolves, Leeds Rhinos and Huddersfield Giants, with the latter quickly rubbishing the reports with Ian Watson under contract until the 2026 season.
Renowned Australian journalist ‘The Mole’ has also recently linked Holbrook with former club Saints, who are currently led by former player and club legend Paul Wellens.
Wellens guided the side to World Club Challenge victory over Penrith Panthers in Australia earlier in February, with the side currently fourth on the Super League table.
‘Moley’ reported that St Helens were one of several Super League clubs ‘believed to be keen’ to hold discussions with Holbrook, who spent three seasons in England, winning two League Leaders’ Shields and one Super League title.
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