Holbrook admits “mixed emotions” after Saints exit

Justin Holbrook has admitted he had mixed emotions about leaving St Helens to become the new head coach at Gold Coast Titans.

Holbrook spent two-and-a-half seasons with Saints, bowing out with a Super League Grand Final win earlier this month over Salford.

Now, though, he’s back in Australia to fulfil his ambition of coaching in the NRL with the Titans but admits he has mixed emotions about making the move back home.

“For myself and my family, the club and the town of St Helens was great for us, and I loved my time there,” he told the Titans’ club website.

“But as I said all along, I do want to coach over in the NRL, and I am lucky enough to get the opportunity here at the Titans.

“Mixed emotions a little bit, because it is always hard to leave when you are going really well. But it is also the most pleasing thing. It would have bene harder to leave if we hadn’t got the job done.

“So to know that we have won the Super League title, and it is back in St Helens, makes it easier to leave, to be honest.”