St Helens ‘believed to be keen’ to talk to former Grand Final winning coach – Australian reports

St Helens are keen to hold talks with former Grand Final winning coach Justin Holbrook, according to reports Down Under.

Australian journalist ‘The Mole’ has said the four-peat champions are one of several clubs keeping an eye on the vacant coach, who was sacked by the Gold Coast Titans in the NRL last month.

Sky Sports reporter Jenna Brooks had previously linked Holbrook with a return to England, naming Warrington Wolves, Leeds Rhinos and Huddersfield Giants as potential destinations.

The John Smith’s Stadium side quickly rubbished the claims, while Rohan Smith’s Leeds Rhinos are closing in on the play-offs.

Daryl Powell has endured a rough few months at the Halliwell Jones Stadium after the eight-game unbeaten start to the season, with a trip to Wakefield up next for the Wolves.

Paul Wellens was appointed Saints boss following the exit of Kristian Woolf at the conclusion of the 2023 campaign, winning their fourth Super League title in a row.

Former player Wellens, 43, guided the side to a World Club Challenge victory over Penrith Panthers in Australia earlier in February, with the club currently sitting fourth on the Super League table after a slow start upon their return to England.

‘Moley’ has reported that Holbrook could find himself a head coach again ‘within months’ in Super League.

Several NRL clubs are also keen to add Holbrook to their coaching staff as an assistant.

Justin Holbrook linked once again to return to Super League

Holbrook, 47, spent three years with the Totally Wicked Stadium outfit in Super League, winning two League Leaders’ Shields and one Grand Final.

The side reached Wembley in the Challenge Cup in 2019, falling short against Warrington Wolves. However, St Helens got their hands on the Super League title at the end of the season with a 23-6 win over Salford at Old Trafford, the first of four successive victories to date at the Theatre of Dreams.

Holbrook left the Saints that season to return to Australia, appointed the head coach of the Titans.

He guided the side to an improved ninth position in his first year in charge, having finished as the worst team in the competition the year before with the wooden spoon.

The Titans finished one better the year after, claiming a spot in the play-offs for the first time since 2016, coached then by Neil Henry.

They were defeated in the first week by the Sydney Roosters.

Following Round 16 of the 2023 season, the Gold Coast Titans parted ways with the head coach, with Des Hasler set to take charge next season.

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