New era begins as Titans lock in Justin Holbrook as Garth Brennan’s successor
The Gold Coast Titans have revealed the sensitive reason the club took so long to named St Helens mentor Justin Holbrook as Garth Brennan’s replacement.
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Justin Holbrook’s signing with the Gold Coast is complete with the Titans brokering a two-year deal with the St Helens mentor.
Holbrook has signed with the Titans until the end of 2021 with provisions in his contract for a more lucrative upgrade if he can haul the embattled Gold Coast out of the NRL cellar and into the finals next season.
Titans powerbrokers had been tight-lipped about the appointment with CEO Steve Mitchell refusing to confirm on Tuesday whether Holbrook was Garth Brennan’s successor at Parkwood.
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But the deal is done, with Titans executive chairman Dennis Watt confirming The Courier-Mail’s exclusive report that Holbrook had agreed to terms for at least the next two seasons.
It is understood the Titans delayed announcing the acquisition of Holbrook at the request of the rookie NRL coach, who wanted time to address St Helens players at training of his decision to return home at season’s end.
Holbrook has won a staggering 62 of 78 games at St Helens coach and hopes to frank his success in Super League with a Challenge Cup final victory over Warrington on August 24.
The 43-year-old, who played 17 NRL games for Newcastle, Penrith and the Roosters, is excited by the prospect of rebuilding the embattled the Titans.
“The ingredients for a truly great club already exist at the Titans,” he said.
“I am looking forward to moving to the Gold Coast to play my part in turning that vision into a reality.
“The Titans are a very strong club backed by a strong rugby league community, with a fantastic junior nursery that feeds an exceptional development and pathway system.
“I can’t wait to begin working with the excellent people already within the organisation to help the club reach its true potential.
“I will of course be sad to leave St Helens, and will always be thankful for the opportunity and support that the club and its amazing fans gave to me.
“I will never forget my experience at St Helens, and hope to replicate it in my next challenge with the Gold Coast Titans.
“It was important the players heard it first from me, not by reading it online, as I have created an honest and trusted environment here at St Helens which needed to be respected.”
Should ladder-leaders St Helens qualify for the Super League grand final, Holbrook’s commitments in the UK won’t cease until October 13, with the Titans hoping to have him on board in early November to launch their pre-season.
Holbrook’s two-year deal is a sign the Titans are being prudent with the duration of his employment, but there is a scope for a longer-term commitment if the former NRL playmaker can bring swift success to the Gold Coast.
“Justin is very highly regarded, and it is a tremendous vote of confidence in the future of the Titans and the work that is already being done at the club that he has chosen the Gold Coast to begin his NRL career,” Watt said.
“I think everyone in rugby league would be aware of the tremendous success that Justin has enjoyed in Super League, rebuilding St Helens to the top of Super League and taking them to the Challenge Cup final.”
Originally published as New era begins as Titans lock in Justin Holbrook as Garth Brennan’s successor
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