UPDATE: The Roosters have beaten a number of rival clubs to the signature of sought-after coach Justin Holbrook.
On Friday morning Nine’s Danny Weidler reported Holbrook had decided to join the Chooks as an assistant coach, snubbing approaches from the Bulldogs, Knights, and Super League club Warrington, with the Roosters confirming the news in a statement on Friday afternoon.
Warrington was desperate to bring Holbrook back to England, where he had success coaching St Helens before landing the gig at Gold Coast in the NRL.
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But Holbrook, 47, informed the Wolves on Thursday night he would stay in Australia for family reasons.
Bulldogs football boss Phil Gould reportedly flew to Queensland this week in an effort to lure Holbrook to the kennel, but Roosters supremo Nick Politis has won the race.
Holbrook explained his decision in the statement released by the Roosters.
“My decision to go with the Roosters was my personal knowledge of the club and how professional they are,” he said.
“Having very good people that are well-qualified in their roles makes the world of difference to coaches, and knowing Robbo well and how he will challenge me to add value to the club made this decision make sense to me.
“I must say I was all but gone to England to join the Warrington Wolves who were terrific to deal with, but it just wasn’t right for my family, so again when I spoke to Trent and Nick and understood the role I would play, I felt the Roosters were the right choice.
“Now it’s all done, I am looking forward to doing what I love, and that’s coaching,”
The development comes despite Roosters head coach Trent Robinson this week claiming none of his current assistants will be leaving the club before next season.
“All of my staff that are here this year will be here next year, that’s pretty clear,” Robinson said, in response to reports Cooper Cronk’s position was under threat.
The Chooks parted ways with Jason Ryles mid-season after he signed a deal to join Craig Bellamy at Melbourne.
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Holbrook took the reins of the Titans in 2020 but the team only played one finals game during his time in charge.
They finished 13th last season.
Gold Coast suddenly sacked the coach in June out of the blue, announcing the appointment of Des Hasler from next season.
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