St Helens name Woolf as new head coach

St Helens have confirmed Kristian Woolf as their new head coach from 2020.

He joins from Newcastle Knights where he is currently interim coach after a spell as assistant to former Saints boss Nathan Brown.

Woolf has also been Tonga head coach since 2014 but parted company with the Island nation earlier this week.

The 44-year-old has signed a two-year contract at the Totally Wicked Stadium and will replace fellow Australian Justin Holbrook in the role.

Speaking on his appointment, Woolf said: “I’m excited and privileged to be joining St Helens as Head Coach.

“It’s something I have always wanted to do and it’s a great opportunity for me.

“St Helens is a club with an amazing history and I’m confident we can achieve great things together.”

Saints carried out an extensive search for their new coach following the announcement of Holbrook’s departure to Gold Coast Titans at the end of the season.

Woolf has reportedly beaten off strong competition to land the role and St Helens’ chairman Eamonn McManus believes he has the necessary experience to lead the club.

“We consider that Kristian is ideally qualified and placed to build upon the current success of the team and the club,” he said.

“He has the experience and expertise to bring the best out of our existing squad and to improve it further.

“We are very confident that the Saints will seriously compete for honours under his tenure and that we will continue to play attractive and exciting rugby league.”