It was reported yesterday that ex St Helens boss Justin Holbrook had rejected Warrington Wolves in favour of staying in the NRL and that news has now been confirmed, with Holbrook’s future confirmed.
Holbrook was immediately the man who’s name was top of the list for fans and pundits when it was announced thar Daryl Powell had been sacked late on Sunday evening.
The former St Helens boss had recently been dismissed from Gold Coast Titans himself and was quickly made favourite for the role at the Halliwell Jones by the bookmakers.
Mixed reports came yesterday morning with the early news down under suggesting that Holbrook was set to sign with Warrington, as per Andrew Voss and The Mole of Wide World of Sports.
Voss specifically had referenced that it was set to be an incentive packed deal spanning up to four years.
Just hours later the Daily Telegraph claimed otherwise, reporting that Holbrook had rejected the Wire and would instead pick between Canterbury Bulldogs and Sydney Roosters.
The reasons for Holbrook turning down Warrington were reported as being down to the ex Saints man wanting to stay down under for family reasons.
Whatever the official reason for refusing Warrington’s advances, it’s now been confirmed that Holbrook will be in the NRL for 2024, officially cutting short any hope of Warrington landing him.
Sydney Roosters have confirmed that Holbrook will join their coaching staff for 2024, cutting short weeks of speculation over where he will land, and officially bringing an end to Warrington’s five day hunt for him.
The Roosters announced the news via their website with the following statement.
“The Sydney Roosters have today announced the addition of Justin Holbrook to the Club’s coaching staff from season 2024.
“Holbrook will make his return to the Roosters as an NRL Assistant Coach for the next three years, commencing in season 2024.”
Speaking about his return to the Roosters, Holbrook said: “My decision to go with the Roosters was my personal knowledge of the Club and how professional they are.
“Having very good people that are well-qualified in their roles makes the world of difference to coaches, and knowing Robbo well and how he will challenge me to add value to the Club made this decision make sense to me.
“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.
“Now it’s all done, I am looking forward to doing what I love, and that’s coaching,” said Holbrook.
“Holbrook will officially commence his role with the Roosters at the start of the 2024 pre-season later this year.”
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