St Helens confirm Justin Holbrook as new head coach
Thursday 4 May 2017 15:50, UK
St Helens have named Sydney Roosters assistant coach Justin Holbrook as their new head coach.
The 41-year-old is leaving his role with the NRL side to take over the Super League club with immediate effect on a two-and-a-half year deal.
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Holbrook was part of the Roosters coaching team that guided the club to the Minor Premiership in 2015 and was in charge when they took on Saints in the 2016 World Club Series.
Current Saints coaches Jamahl Lolesi and Sean Long will form part of Holbrook's backroom staff, having worked under previous coach Keiron Cunningham before he left the club last month.
Holbrook said: "I'm excited about the opportunity to be the head coach of St Helens. The club has a rich and proud history and I am very grateful to have been given the opportunity.
"St Helens are one of the top teams in the Super League competition with a history of success. I will be working hard to continue that tradition and I cannot wait to get started."
Saints chief executive Mike Rush said he was particularly impressed by Holbrook's work with Australia's Junior Kangaroos.
Rush added: "We are delighted to secure Justin; he is widely experienced and has a track record of coaching at the highest level.
"He impressed us with his knowledge of the British game and his work with younger players.
"In his role as head of the Junior Kangaroos, a position he has held for three seasons, he has done a superb job in nurturing young talent and developing the next wave of Australian Internationals.
"During the process Justin clearly identified himself as an attack-minded coach and the importance of the transition between defence and attack.
"He also understands the club and our philosophy which is important moving forward."
