Revealed: Justin Holbrook was ‘booked on flights’ to England before U-turning on Warrington Wolves job

With Daryl Powell’s dismissal at Warrington Wolves last week the talk quickly turned to who would replace the former Castleford Tigers and Leeds Rhinos man, with ex St Helens boss Justin Holbrook seemingly the favourite with the club and the bookmakers.

In the days after that Sunday night sacking there were multiple reports showing the rollercoaster situation of negotiations and it eventually got to a point where an offer was tabled, and reportedly accepted per Andrew Voss and The Mole of Wide World of Sports.

The pair had both tweeted the news, however that same afternoon it was revealed by The Daily Telegraph that Holbrook had rejected the move based on the desire to stay close with his family.

Overnight and into Friday morning Sydney Roosters then confirmed the ex Gold Coast man’s recruitment for 2024, bringing an end to the five day saga that saw the Wire get incredibly close to landing him.

Brian Carney revealed on Sky Sports last night just how close that deal was, even confirming that it had bene agreed but for a last minute change.

“He had agreed to come here and was being booked on flights to arrive on Sunday.” Carney explained prior to Warrington’s clash with Catalans.

“Then after late discussions with his family, he had to give back word and turn a job that he had accepted just 24 hours previous.”

That’s now also been corroborated by Justin Holbrook who was spoken with the Sydney Morning Herald explaining his choice to sign with the Roosters.

“A day or two ago I was nearly on a plane to England,” Holbrook explained.

“I got the opportunity to go to England with St Helens, which was great and then the Gold Coast Titans. Now, with my next move, I wasn’t sure.”

Holbrook explained how he agonised over the decision but leaving his family and returning to England “didn’t feel right”.

“I was close to heading back to England because I like the idea of being a head coach, but it just didn’t feel right.

“Obviously, having a great time and success at St Helens and then going to a rival club, but that wasn’t the pure decision.

“I was thinking that way, heading to Warrington to be a head coach, but there was a bit of interest back here and I’ve worked with Robbo before and see an opportunity to help him there to try to get them back up to the top.”