Early this morning it was confirmed by Sydney Roosters that they had added ex St Helens boss Justin Holbrook to their coaching staff for 2024, cutting short any hope of Warrington Wolves’ pursuit for him following their dismissal of Daryl Powell from the club.
Powell was removed late Sunday evening after less than two years in the job with a disappointing eleventh placed 2022 campaign being followed up by the Wire slipping from the heights of first to sixth in the current Super League season.
That drop down the ladder saw a run of just three wins in twelve with six consecutive losses, the final one being at the hands of twelfth placed Wakefield Trinity, leading the club to take action and dismiss the ex Leeds Rhinos and Castleford Tigers man.
With their playoff chances on the edge and a season to save Warrington quickly set about their search for a new head coach and it seemed that ex St Helens boss Justin Holbrook was their first choice as he led the bookmakers market and early this week the Daily Telegraph reported that Wire officials had met with him.
That was followed by an offer being made as reported by the Mole of Wide World of Sports and then commentator Andrew Voss who claimed jt was full of incentives for silverware.
The positivity among Wire fans quickly dissipated with a Daily Telegraph report that Holbrook had rejected that offer, opting to stay down under and that has now been confirmed.
He will link up with Sydney Roosters as an assistant coach in 2024 with the club confirming his appointment this morning.
In their statement announcing his arrival there was a comment from Holbrook who has revealed just how close he was to a Super League return.
“My decision to go with the Roosters was my personal knowledge of the Club and how professional they are,” Holbrook explained.
“Having very good people that are well-qualified in their roles makes the world of difference to coaches, and knowing Robbo well and how he will challenge me to add value to the Club made this decision make sense to me.”
Then came the comment that will break Warrington fans hearts.
“I must say I was all but gone to England to join the Warrington Wolves who were terrific to deal with, but it just wasn’t right for my family, so again when I spoke to Trent and Nick and understood the role I would play, I felt the Roosters were the right choice.
“Now it’s all done, I am looking forward to doing what I love, and that’s coaching,” said Holbrook.
Holbrook will officially commence his role with the Roosters at the start of the 2024 pre-season later this year whilst Warrington will continue their search, with interim head coach Gary Chambers set to lead the team against Catalans tonight.
