Justin Holbrook re-signs with Gold Coast Titans on new three-year deal
Titans coach Justin Holbrook plans to usher in a new era of success on the Gold Coast after signing a new long-term deal, but does not expect a Queensland legend to be part of it.
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The Titans have moved to stave off a poaching raid for Justin Holbrook by securing the rookie NRL coach to a lucrative $1.5 million extension.
On the day the Titans’ Queensland rivals the Broncos severed ties with besieged coach Anthony Seibold, the Gold Coast are instead showing faith in Holbrook.
Holbrook will be with the Titans for the next four seasons after agreeing to terms on a three-year upgrade that will keep him at the Gold Coast until the end of 2024.
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The lucrative extension will raise some eyebrows given that the Titans are languishing in 13th place with Holbrook having won just four games and losing five of his past six matches.
But Titans hierarchy believe the club is on the rise under Holbrook’s coaching style with several Gold Coast players, including Ash Taylor, improving their form and lauding his man-management ability.
The long-term commitment will give Holbrook time to plan for the future, and he already has David Fifita, Tino Fa’asuamaleaui and Herman Ese’ese arriving on the Gold Coast next year.
The Titans have also been linked with Storm star Smith, who will this week make a decision on his playing future.
Holbrook admitted he would love to have Smith at the club but played down any expectations.
“You’d love to have a player like Cam Smith come to your club,” Holbrook said.
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“He’s the best player in the game.
“I’ve never spoken to Cameron and I’ve said all along, in all honesty I couldn’t see him leave Melbourne. But it’s hard to know without speaking to him.
“It would be great for someone to ask Cameron instead of (asking) us.”
Holbrook said his plan now was to continue improving the club.
“We’ve just got to keep improving,” he said.
“We’re improving our roster and then we’ve just got to keep improving in our performance.
“We’ve got three absolute quality players joining our club. We’re definitely going to be improved but as for (making) the eight, we’ll just have to wait and see.”
Asked whether he had any potential signing targets in mind for next year, Holbrook said “no, not off the top of my head”.
“The recruitment thing is nearly an everyday process,” he said.
“There are always things getting looked at and it’s always ongoing but as for right now, nothing is locked in or close to being locked in.
“There are always things to be looked at.”
Holbrook’s contract extension came on the same day his Broncos counterpart Anthony Seibold stepped down from his role as head coach. Holbrook said he was planning to reach out to the beleaguered coach and wish him well for the future.
“I’ve felt sorry for Seibs (Seibold), not just now but for a while,” he said.
“Obviously he has not gone as well as he or the club would have liked up in Brisbane.
“You never like to see anyone lose their job.
“Unfortunately, it’s awkward timing.
“I do feel for Seibs and wish him all the best.”
