Since Daryl Powell was sacked by Warrington Wolves on Sunday evening it’s been a question of ‘who next’ at the Halliwell Jones with the bookmaker’s, and seemingly fan’s, favourite being former St Helens boss Justin Holbrook.
It’s already been reported by the Daily Telegraph that Holbrook has met with Warrington officials and earlier this morning The Mole of Wide World of Sports and legendary commentator Andrew Voss had reported that the deal was all but done, with Holbrook set to sign a minimum two-year deal that was loaded with incentives.
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
It was reported as a massive coup for Warrington, who currently sit in sixth with a chance to maintain that playoff place and make something of what has been a torrid 2023 season.
However it has now been reported down under that Holbrook has refused Warrington’s advances and will instead make a return to the NRL with the race down to just two clubs.
That’s per Peter Badel writing for the Daily Telegraph who claims that he will now weigh up options between Sydney Roosters and Canterbury Bulldogs.
It’s a massive blow for Warrington who now look set to miss out on their number one candidate, leaving them in a state of disarray and potentially meaning they work under the guidance of interim head coach Gary Chambers for longer than anticipated.
Holbrook was sacked by Gold Coast Titans just a few weeks back but per Badel and the Telegraph he has told Warrington he intends to remain down under “for family reasons”.
They report that Warrington were “confident” of getting a deal done and bringing Holbrook back to Super League.
The Telegraph confirm what Andrew Voss and the Mole said about the deal Warrington tabled with it being a minimum two year deal and heavy with incentives.
Both Canterbury and the Roosters, the remaining NRL sides that Holbrook is reported as opting for, have offered three year deals with Holbrook set to decide in the next 24 hours, per the Telegraph.
Whilst at St Helens Holbrook lifted the 2019 Grand Final which has since led to Saints dominating Super League, with Holbrook being the man credited with putting systems for success in place.
Wire will now look elsewhere with other names in the betting market including Newcastle Knights’ boss Adam O’Brien and former Hull KR man Justin Morgan, but it seems to be that 47-year-old Holbrook will remain in the NRL.
Warrington face top of the table Catalans on Friday night, aiming to avoid a seventh straight loss however they have beaten the top of the table Dragons twice this season, highlighting how sharp their early season form was.
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