Holbrook to Knights Coach: Cheika Eyes Roosters Role
Justin Holbrook Confirmed as Newcastle Knights Head Coach
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Holbrook Set to Lead Knights from 2025
The Newcastle Knights are poised to officially appoint Justin Holbrook as their new head coach following a board meeting scheduled for Monday night. This decision marks a significant shift for the club as they seek to revitalize their performance after the departure of Adam O’Brien.
Holbrook emerged as the preferred candidate after a thorough selection process conducted by a five-member sub-committee including chief executive Peter Parr, general manager Chris James, club legend Michael Hagan, director Tony Price, and chairman Geoff Coburn.
Competition and Experience
Holbrook’s appointment comes ahead of other contenders for the role, including Dragons assistant coach Dean Young, and current Knights assistants Brian McDermott and Blake Green. His prior experience as an NRL head coach wiht the Gold Coast Titans, despite a mid-season departure in 2023, was considered a vital asset.
Since leaving the Titans, Holbrook has been working as an assistant coach with the Sydney Roosters, gaining further experience alongside prominent figures like Trent Robinson and Mal Meninga with the Australian national team.
Roosters Coaching Staff Changes
The move to Newcastle creates a vacancy on the Roosters coaching staff, which the club intends to fill with former wallabies coach Michael Cheika. Cheika previously served as a consultant for the Roosters and will assume a more senior role within the team starting next season. This reunion with trent Robinson signals a strategic bolstering of the Roosters’ coaching ranks.
while Cheika expressed interest in the Knights position, his commitment to the Roosters ultimately led to his decision to remain in Sydney.