Justin Holbrook Poised to Return as Knights Coach in 2026
Big news is brewing in the NRL, and it’s all about Justin Holbrook. The former Gold Coast Titans coach is on the verge of being officially named the head coach of the Newcastle Knights, taking over from Adam O’Brien. The announcement is expected to be made at the Knights’ board meeting on Monday night, and sources familiar with the situation say Holbrook has been recommended for the role by a five-member sub-committee that includes the club’s chairman, CEO, general manager, and a couple of club legends.
Holbrook’s appointment comes as the Sydney Roosters, where he has been serving as assistant coach, prepare to bring in former Wallabies coach Michael Cheika for a senior coaching role next season. Interestingly, Cheika had reportedly expressed interest in the Knights job as well, but he is set to reunite with Trent Robinson at the Roosters instead, leaving the path clear for Holbrook to return to head coaching.
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For Holbrook, this is a homecoming of sorts. He started his NRL journey as a Newcastle player and even worked alongside Andrew Johns in his early days. His familiarity with the footy culture in Newcastle, combined with his reputation as an attack-minded coach with strong man-management skills, is expected to be a huge asset for a Knights side that struggled through the 2025 season. The club endured one of its worst campaigns, finishing at the bottom of the ladder with the poorest attacking record in the league and conceding 66 points in their final match.
Holbrook’s coaching resume is extensive. He previously led the Gold Coast Titans, achieving a 37.8% win rate over three seasons and guiding the team to the finals in 2021. His tenure with the Titans ended controversially in mid-2023, despite the team still being competitive. Beyond the NRL, Holbrook also coached St Helens in the English Super League, winning coach of the year in his final season and leading the team to grand final glory. On the international stage, he took charge of Papua New Guinea for three games in 2023 and has been involved with the Australian national team alongside Mal Meninga.
Next year, Holbrook will be tasked with rebuilding the Knights’ confidence and performance, but he will also have the exciting challenge of working with marquee recruit Dylan Brown, who joins the club on a record-breaking contract. Expectations are high, but with his experience and understanding of the club’s culture, Holbrook seems well-positioned to breathe new life into a team desperate for fresh ideas and renewed optimism.
In short, Justin Holbrook’s return to Newcastle is being watched closely by fans and analysts alike. After a few years away from head coaching in the NRL, this is his chance to prove that he can turn one of the league’s struggling sides into a competitive force once again.
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