Justin Holbrook left St Helens at the end of 2019 after helping the club lift the Grand Final and that has set about an era of dominance in which the Red Vee have won the next three Super League titles, so it is no surprise that he is one of the most in-demand coaches in the sport at the minute.
Holbrook was sacked by Gold Coast Titans earlier in the season after leading them to a start of six wins and seven losses, whereas since then they’ve only added two wins to four losses.
Back in England, upon the news of Daryl Powell’s sacking as Warrington Wolves’ head coach the name that many were touting for the job was Justin Holbrook, he was one of a few high profile vacant head coaches and most importantly he had experience of winning in Super League.
He quickly became the bookmakers favourite and it was reported on Monday by the Daily Telegraph that the club had met with Holbrook, but were one of six teams to do so.
That constituted four NRL sides, Warrington and an unnamed Super League team.
It would seem that the unnamed Super League team have dropped from the race as it’s now being reported by Fox Sports that five clubs are waiting on Holbrook, with both the Mole of Wide World of Sports and Andrew Voss having tweeted that an offer has been made.
BREAKING
Justin Holbrook update – from his manager – he has been offered @WarringtonRLFC job – decision pending! #willtakeit pic.twitter.com/nVpUL7tlWo— The Mole (@9_Moley) August 2, 2023
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.
— Vossy & Brandy SEN 1170AM Sydney (@VossyBrandySEN) August 2, 2023
Back to the Fox report though and that states that Warrington have offered Holbrook a deal on a minimum two year contract, but it does support Vossy’s claims of it being loaded with big money incentives based on silverware and success.
Warrington have an anxious wait on their hands though as Canterbury Bulldogs and their General Manager Gus Gould are trying to recruit Holbrook to serve as an assistant to their young coach Cameron Ciraldo.
Fox report that Gould and Holbrook have met with Holbrook’s manager, Chris Orr, confirming the news.
“The Bulldogs are definitely an option,” Holbrook’s manager Chris Orr said.
“He had a positive meeting with ‘Gus’ (Gould) and Cameron, so there is interest there and he has some great connections to the Bulldogs.”
It’s also reported by Fox that Newcastle Knights, Wests Tigers and Sydney Roosters are also interested with the outlet reporting that it’s believed Holbrook would prefer to remain down under.
The clubs all face a nervous wait with the ball now in Holbrook’s court as to which offer he accepts.
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