LeagueNews.co | Cooper McEnroe
The Newcastle Knights have appointed Justin Holbrook as their new head coach, transitioning from his role as an assistant coach at the Sydney Roosters.
Holbrook, aged 49, previously served as the head coach of the Gold Coast Titans from 2020 until midway through the 2023 season.
This change comes after the Knights parted ways with Adam O'Brien, who concluded a six-season tenure with the team at the end of the regular season.
Although Holbrook had a contract with the Roosters extending until the end of next season, he has been granted permission to take on the head coaching position at Newcastle.
"Following a thorough selection process, Justin was unanimously chosen as the best candidate to lead the Club into a new era," the Knights stated in an announcement.
"We congratulate Justin on his appointment and look forward to his commencement as Knights Head Coach once his current commitments are fulfilled."
During his previous stint with the Titans, Holbrook recorded a 37.8 percent win rate over three seasons, notably guiding the club to its most recent finals appearance in 2021.
However, his departure from the Titans was controversial, as he was dismissed in mid-2023 while the team was still in contention for the finals, paving the way for Des Hasler's ultimately unsuccessful tenure.