Justin Holbrook is still pinching himself after “winning” the race to mentor the besieged Newcastle Knights.
In fact, the 49-year-old – who made his playing debut at the Hunter organisation in 1999 under Warren Ryan – long held an ambition to return to the club in a coaching role one day.
And, that time arrived last week when the former halfback signed a deal to guide the NRL outfit over the next three seasons.
It follows a successful gig at St Helens in the English Super League, a brief stint at the Gold Coast Titans (2020-23) and as an assistant to Trent Robinson at the Sydney Roosters.
Justin Holbrook supports the NRL Beanie for Brain Cancer Round. (AAP Image/Darren Pateman)
“Ever since I got into coaching, I’ve always wanted to come back [here],” Holbrook said.
“I spent time in Newcastle as a player (1999-2000)… and I absolutely loved it.
“I loved the city and I love how big rugby league is in the Hunter.
“So, over the years, I hoped I’d get an opportunity at the Knights.
“Even this season, when I came up with the Roosters, I spoke to Trent about it.
“I told him ‘I’d love to coach up here one day’.
“Luckily enough, it’s now happened and I’m excited about it.
“And, while I couldn’t wait to get up here, I wanted to finish everything off at the Roosters.
“I must thank them for their assistance, too.
“A lot of times, it doesn’t end so nicely if you announce you’re going to another club.
“But, they were great, very supportive.
“So, I did the end-of-year reviews with Trent (earlier in the week) and attended the presentation night, before driving to Newcastle on Friday morning.”
Even though the Knights collected the wooden spoon in 2025, after a horrific run of injuries, Holbrook knows what he needs to do to gain success.
That’s adopt Newcastle’s ethos again.
“The Knights’ DNA lays in the region,” he said.
“It’s what sticks out for me.
“There is a huge love for the game, not just from the players, but from the entire city, too.
“This area remains a rugby league heartland.
“When I was a player, or came here with an opposition team, everyone knew Newcastle was built on hard work and that you were in for a tough day at the office.
“So, people want to see that in their side.
“That will never change.
“Through the Knights’ successful years, it always centred on rugged defence and a freedom in attack.
“That’s what I want to try and instil with the boys.”
Justin Holbrook. (AAP Image/Dave Hunt)
Despite Newcastle’s lowly position on the ladder in 2025, Holbrook remains confident he can turn things around.
“Obviously, I’ve just arrived and only getting my feet under the desk,” he said.
“However, this situation isn’t new to me.
“When I arrived at the Titans from England, they’d finished with the wooden spoon as well.
“But, I feel way better equipped this time around.
“One, in terms of experience and, two, with the connection to this club.
“On the Gold Coast, I didn’t know any of the staff or any of the playing group.
“Whereas here, it’s different.
“I know the playing group and what the Knights have done, especially with a few signings the past couple of weeks.
“Honestly, I believe it’s all heading in the right direction.
“Peter O’Sullivan’s involved in the recruiting, so a lot of good work’s already been done, while Peter Parr and Chris James (director of football) are very experienced campaigners in the front office.
“They’ve told me about what’s occurring in the pathways, which is terrific.
“Every organisation is aware that if you can develop your own players, you don’t need to buy them.
“That helps in every facet, from the salary cap to the connection of the club.
“If you’ve got them in your own nursery, it’s family, it’s community.
“The good thing about Newcastle is that it’s already being addressed.
“I spoke with the staff and heard the effort they’re putting into the area, so hopefully we’ll reap the rewards from it.
“Yes, those things take time to fix, but I’m excited about the future.
“Obviously, I am front and centre of the club being the head coach.
“However, there’s plenty of good, hard-working people here and many I already know.
“So, that feels great to be a part of it.”
Will Dylan Brown deliver an NRL premiership to the Newcastle Knights over the next decade? (AAP Image/Dan Himbrechts)
On top of Holbrook’s to-do list will be getting the best out of marquee recruit Dylan Brown, who arrives in 2026 on record-breaking money.
“His best football is ahead of him, so I’m looking forward to working with him,” he said.
“I think all the top sides need their spine to be key players.
“Unfortunately, at the Knights over the past few years, there’s been a lot of chopping and changing in that area.
“So, it’s a good strategic decision by the club to lock someone in.
“There are not many strike players in the game and, when there are, they’re hard to get out of their current organisations.
“The fact Dylan’s on a long-term deal is great for myself as a coach.
“That’s one area I don’t have to worry about.
“He’s a classy player, with – I believe – his best years ahead of him.
“I’ll look at what role he’ll play, whether it’s in the No. 6 or No. 7.
“I think he can definitely fill the halfback void, he had the luxury of having Mitchell Moses at Parramatta.
“But, we’ll work it out over the pre-season.
“At the Roosters, we had Sam Walker, Sandon Smith, Chad Townsend and Hugo Savala, so it depends on the style of play we want to adopt.
“To me, it doesn’t matter if he’s wearing the seven or six on his back, he can still steer the team around.
“I just love the way Dylan plays.
“So, it’s a matter of working out how he’s going to complement the other players and unleashing someone like Kalyn Ponga, who as captain is a huge part of our side.
“It is really important we get that right.
“Like I said, we’ll work it out over time, once all the boys return to training.
“Elite players are easier to move around than you think.
“Again, I refer to the Roosters where I’ve just come from… Hugo (Savala) trained in the centres during the pre-season, thinking he wouldn’t play in the halves.
“But, he ended up there and was one of their better players.
“So, I’m excited about the situation… and I’m confident we’ll nail it.”
Newcastle Knights young gun Fletcher Sharpe. (AAP Image/Mark Evans)
Holbrook’s equally-thrilled to join forces with Newcastle’s brightest young talent, including Fletcher Sharpe, Fletcher Hunt, Jermaine McEwen, Cody Hopwood and Elijah Salesa-Leaumoana, to name a handful.
“Yeah, definitely,” he said.
“And, that’s the key.
“We’ve spoken a lot about the pathways at Newcastle and, once you get them developed right in those groups, they can come through the NRL and fit in pretty easy.
“There are a number of those guys, like the aforementioned blokes, who I’m really looking forward to working with.
“I realise 2025 wasn’t exactly what Knights’ fans wanted, everyone wants to win… and I get that.
“However, there are so many positive signs around the place.
“Honestly, it bodes well for the Knights – and the Hunter – moving forward.”
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