Newcastle’s search for a new head coach has taken a significant step forward, with Sydney Roosters assistant coach Justin Holbrook set to meet with the Knights’ decision-makers.
According to the Daily Telegraph, Holbrook’s interview for the head coach position at the Hunter-based club comes after Roosters coach Trent Robinson gave him the green light to pursue the role.
The move follows the sacking of Adam O’Brien, who had been contracted through to the end of 2027 but was let go with just a few rounds remaining in the 2025 NRL season.
While O’Brien will see out the campaign, Newcastle’s decision-makers have been active behind the scenes to ensure a new leader is in place ahead of the pre-season, which kicks off in November.
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The 49-year-old’s meeting with the Knights’ sub-committee is scheduled just days before the Roosters’ knockout final against the Cronulla Sharks on Saturday night.
Holbrook has strong ties to the club, having made his NRL debut with the Newcastle Knights in 1999 as Andrew Johns’ halfback understudy.
The assistant coach brings a strong coaching résumé, highlighted by a highly successful three-year stint overseas with St Helens, where he achieved an 80 per cent win rate.
He then spent four seasons with the Gold Coast Titans, guiding the club to its most recent finals appearance in 2021, and has also served as an Australian assistant under Mal Meninga.
If appointed, Holbrook would become the second assistant coach recruited from a rival club this year, following Cronulla Sharks assistant Josh Hannay, who is set to take over at the Titans from 2026 after Des Hasler was sacked.