The Newcastle Knights are set to rubber stamp the appointment of Justin Holbrook as the club’s new head coach at a board meeting on Monday night.
It comes as the Sydney Roosters prepare to replace Holbrook, their current assistant coach, with former Wallabies coach Michael Cheika for next season.
Sources with knowledge of discussions talking on the condition of anonymity due to confidentiality said Holbrook will be put forward as the recommended head coach.
The decision was made by the five-man sub-committee of chief executive Peter Parr, general manager Chris James, club legend Michael Hagan, director Tony Price and chairman Geoff Coburn.
Holbrook has beaten the likes of Dragons assistant coach Dean Young as well as Knights assistant coaches Brian McDermott and Blake Green.
Holbrook last coached in the NRL at the Gold Coast Titans but was moved on mid-way through the 2023 season.
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He has been working with the Sydney Roosters since, also working alongside former Kangaroos coach Mal Meninga with the national team.
Holbrook’s experience as an NRL coach is deemed vital as he prepares to assume the role of Adam O’Brien’s successor.
Cheika also showed interest in the Knights job but is set to reunite with Trent Robinson at the Roosters.
Cheika has previously worked as a consultant to Robinson at the Tricolours but will take on a more senior role on the coaching staff of the club from next season.