Knights receive enormous boost after grand final heartbreak
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Justin Holbrook has been rewarded for an incredible first season at the Knights, earning a fresh two-year head coaching contract.
After taking over from Adam O’Brien at the start of this year, Holbrook took Newcastle from the wooden spoon to a grand final appearance.
Justin Holbrook. The Sydney Morning Herald
The side lost 19-18 in the decider against the Sydney Roosters, but gained plenty of admirers after a stunning revival under Holbrook’s guidance.
The new deal will see Holbrook remain in charge until the end of 2030.
“I am so excited to be at the club until the end of 2030 and hopefully longer,” Holbrook said in a statement on Monday morning.
“The Knights football staff are an absolute pleasure to work with. Our playing group are all hard-working and committed to being successful. Having so many key players secured long-term is exciting for everyone involved.
“Lastly, to our loyal members and fans of the Newcastle Knights, you are the best supporters in the game, and I want to personally thank you.
“I’m very excited and grateful to lead this proud club for years to come.”
Knights director of football Chris James was glowing in his praise for Holbrook and the way he has turned the struggling club around in a short space of time.
“Justin has done an incredible job since arriving,” he said.
“He has built an environment where our players are happy, they enjoy coming to work, and every single day they walk through the door wanting to get better. That culture is the foundation of everything this group achieved in reaching our first grand final in 25 years.
“Just as importantly, Justin has reconnected this team with our community. Our members, fans and the people of the Hunter can see themselves in this group again, and the support we felt this season was something special.
“Securing Justin until 2030 means we can keep building on that connection, and we’re incredibly proud to have him leading our team.”
It’s a timely boost for the Knights, who lost recruitment guru Peter O’Sullivan over the weekend, as he prepares for a move to the Broncos.
Holbrook’s arrival at the club led to Kalyn Ponga committing long-term, while star playmaker Dylan Brown has nine years to go on his lucrative deal.
Ponga enjoyed perhaps the best period of his NRL career and the captain has formed a close bond with Holbrook in just 12 months.
Kalyn Ponga. Getty Images
On top of the two marquee men locked away, Holbrook also has gun back-rowers Jermaine McEwen, Francis Manuleleua and Dylan Lucas at his disposal long-term.
The next big move Newcastle will be hoping to make is re-signing centre Bradman Best, who was selected in the Kangaroos squad for the World Cup.
Best is set to come off-contract at the end of next season, which will make him a free agent on November 1 unless a deal is reached beforehand.
