Since Daryl Powell’s sacking late on Sunday evening the focus has been on who will replace him at Warrington Wolves with ex St Helens boss Justin Holbrook emerging as the early favourite, whilst ex Wigan Warriors boss Michael Maguire and former Leeds Rhinos, Wire and current Hull FC boss Tony Smith being one bold outside shout.
It has seemed that Warrington have taken their search down under for the new boss at the Halliwell Jones with the likes of Anthony Griffin, Adam O’Brien and Justin Morgan also heading the top of the market behind Holbrook.
It’s now been confirmed that Warrington have taken their search down under, with reports in Australia even suggesting that they interviewed Justin Holbrook on Tuesday evening local time.
That is per The Daily Telegraph who claim Warrington are one of just six clubs interested in the former St Helens boss, including two Super League sides.
It’s unclear who the second Super League team are but it looks like Warrington could have serious competition on their hands to recruit what seems to be their first choice coach.
One other confirmed team are Canterbury Bulldogs but with the paper otherwise simply stating ‘four NRL clubs and two British outfits, led by the Wolves, target’ Holbrook.
During his time in charge of St Helens he helped them lift the Grand Final, the first of their current run of four successive, and he is highly regarded in Super League on account of that.
Despite that he was dismissed earlier this season after leading Gold Coast Titans to a six and seven start to the season, something that left Holbrook ‘pissed off’.
It’s reported that the Bulldogs interest in Holbrook is for him to be an assistant to help young Cameron Ciraldo, who is in his first head coach role after doing his apprenticeship working with Penrith Panthers’ Ivan Cleary as an assistant, with Holbrook’s experience being something that the Bulldogs desire.
Whether Holbrook would prefer an assistant role in the NRL or a seat at the top table in Super League remains unclear, as does the identity of the second reported Super League side.
Holbrook’s agent has suggested the Bulldogs are a genuine candidate: ““The Bulldogs are definitely an option,” Holbrook’s agent Chris Orr told the Telegraph.
“He had a positive meeting with ‘Gus’ (Gould) and Cameron, so there is interest there and he has some great connections to the Bulldogs.
“He coached their reserve grade team to two grand finals when he started off in his coaching, so he has good memories of his time at the Bulldogs.”
The move to the Halliwell Jones isn’t completely off the cards though.
“Justin has numerous options and will make a decision on his future very shortly with NRL and Super League both options,” Orr explained.
“The simple question for Justin is what role does he want to play in rugby league moving forward. Does he join a club as an assistant and help the head coach drive culture and success, or does he look for his own ship to steer, which may be overseas?”
