It’s been confirmed this morning that Warrington Wolves first choice to replace Daryl Powell, ex St Helens boss Justin Holbrook, has signed with Sydney Roosters for 2024 meaning Warrington have had to pivot elsewhere and that’s led to new names heading the betting market.
The bookmakers had placed Holbrook as the favourite for the role following Powell’s dismissal on Sunday evening and they were so nearly right with Holbrook confirming today how close he was to signing at the Halliwell Jones.
“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,” Holbrook said in a statement on the Roosters website.
Warrington are now left looking for a new man to take the reins and a new favourite for the job has already emerged.
Betfred, the Super League’s official betting partner, have priced up the market for who will be the next permanent head coach at the Halliwell Jones and there are actually joint favourites, with one of those men being a current Super League boss.
Anthony Griffin and Paul Rowley have both been priced at 3/1, with Griffin having been relieved of his duties at St George Illawarra Dragons earlier in the year and Rowley leading the club just one place behind them in the Super League ladder in Salford.
Griffin had been prominent in the market initially but Rowley has been a name that has been growing traction since Sunday’s dismissal with key players such as Tyler Dupree having been sold at Salford and the club on a six game losing streak in both cup and league.
Former Wire player Kevin Brown spoke on the Sportsman’s ‘Last Tackle’ show advocating for a senior coach and he referenced Rowley alongside England boss Shaun Wane, who has been priced at 8/1.
Newcastle Knights boss Adam O’Brien sits at 7/2 ahead of Michaeal Monaghan and Michael Maguire at 8/1 and 10/1 respectively.
One shock name reported by the Daily Telegraph this morning was Sam Burgess and the former England international and South Sydney Rabbitohs star is priced at 25/1.
The full list of odds can be seen below:
Anthony Griffin – 3/1
Paul Rowley – 3/1
Adam O’Brien – 7/2
Michael Monaghan – 8/1
Shaun Wane – 8/1
Michael Maguire – 10/1
Lee Briers – 12/1
Justin MOrgan – 12/1
Brett Hodgson – 16/1
Richard Agar – 16/1
Tony Smith – 20/1
Brian McDermott – 20/1
Ian Watson – 25/1
Sam Burgess – 25/1
Richard Marshall – 33/1
Steve Price – 33/1
John Kear – 100/1
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