St Helens coach Justin Holbrook admits Gold Coast coaching interest
With a record that would make most NRL coaches jealous, St Helens boss Justin Holbrook has admitted he would be tempted by returning to Australia as the new Gold Coast Titans coach.
Titans
Don't miss out on the headlines from Titans. Followed categories will be added to My News.
St Helens coach Justin Holbrook has broken his silence to declare his interest in the Titans job as the Gold Coast ramp-up their search for Garth Brennan’s successor.
On the eve of the Titans’ clash against Melbourne on Sunday at Cbus Super Stadium, The Sunday Mail can reveal Holbrook is available and ready to rescue the embattled club after receiving an approach from Gold Coast management.
The former Newcastle, Penrith and Roosters halfback’s coaching record at St Helens is remarkable. Holbrook has won 46 of his past 52 games for an 88 per cent strike rate — and his career record at St Helens is 61 victories from 76 matches for an 80 per cent success rate.
St Helens are currently leading the Super League by a staggering 10 competition points, with Holbrook having steered Saints to 20 wins from 22 matches this season.
Queensland Origin coach Kevin Walters has been heavily linked with the Titans post, but it is understood Holbrook is high on Gold Coast’s hit list.
Speaking to The Sunday Mail from the UK, Holbrook confirmed he is keen to launch his NRL career and admitted Mal Meninga’s presence at the Titans as culture-and-performance chief has major appeal.
“I am extremely happy coaching at St Helens but I do have aspirations to coach in the NRL,” Holbrook said.
“Depending on the process the Titans take I would definitely be open to discuss any opportunity.
“I note the Titans have made some major changes over the past 12 months to their front office which certainly has them heading in the right direction.
“They have added the likes of Mal Meninga to increase their football intelligence, which is a major boost for the club.
“The Gold Coast region has produced and continues to produce some tremendous rugby league talent.
“The Titans should be the team young kids in the region aspire to play for.”
Holbrook, who played 17 NRL games between 1999-2002, ticks the boxes for the Titans on a number of fronts.
As an NRL rookie, he would not command top dollar from a Titans organisation renowned for being fiscally prudent.
Holbrook has premiership credentials, having won two lower-grade titles at the Bulldogs in 2010-11 during his 14 years in coaching.
He steered the Junior Kangaroos to three consecutive defeats of the Junior Kiwis in 2015-17, coaching the likes of Victor Radley, Matt Lodge, Nathan Cleary, Tevita Pangai Jr and current Titans halfback Ash Taylor.
He has proven to be a popular man manager at St Helens. When Saints beat arch-rivals Wigan 32-10 last Friday week, the home fans launched a public appeal from the stands at full-time, chanting: “Justin Holbrook, we want you to stay”.
Holbrook is off-contract at season’s end and is in talks to extend his stay for a further two years in Super League unless an NRL club secures his services.
The 43-year-old has also shown an ability to preside over the type of rebuilding project required at the embattled Titans.
When Holbrook took over from sacked club legend Keiron Cunningham in 2017, St Helens were in crisis in seventh spot.
Within 12 months, Holbrook steered St Helens to the minor premiership with 21 wins from 23 games, only to suffer a shock 18-13 loss to Warrington in the preliminary final.
This season, Saints will finish top of the league again and are raging favourites to win the 2019 premiership.
Broncos legend Darren Lockyer was stunned by Holbrook’s win percentage and said it was vital the Titans picked the right candidate after their blooding of Brennan backfired badly.
“Holbrook’s record is seriously impressive,” he said. “The Titans require a mentor that can build a culture of high standards while developing leadership qualities in his playing group.”
Walters is unlikely to get the Titans job as he has no interest in going through an interview process.
Former Manly coach Geoff Toovey and Ipswich co-coaches Ben and Shane Walker have put their hands up, but Holbrook is among the Titans’ preferred candidates.
Holbrook concedes he was blown away by the St Helens’ fans impassioned plea for him to stay loyal.
“I appreciate the fans and it was great to hear them singing my name after the game, it gets me a bit emotional, that’s for sure,” he said.
“I’ve got no update (on his future), so we will see what happens over the next couple of weeks.
“I don’t get distracted at all and I don’t think I ever will to be honest. I love what I do, I love the position I’m in and I’m always going to enjoy coaching.
“It’s great (to be wanted) and I’ve got the players to thank for that because of how well they are playing. They make my job easier.”
Qld NRL clubs to hold historic junior ‘Super League’ tournament
The NRL and QRL are set to rubber-stamp a historic mini-Super League style tournament between elite junior talent from the Broncos, Dolphins, Cowboys and Titans in preparation for the National Youth Competition.
Player poll video: NRL stars reveal biggest threat to Panthers dynasty
The NRL’s biggest stars have revealed their biggest threat to the premiership in 2025, while the four Las Vegas-bound representatives selected the teammate most likely to go missing in Sin City. WATCH THE VIDEO.