The Newcastle Knights have extended head coach Justin Holbrook’s contract by two years, keeping him at the club until at least the end of 2030 after he guided the side to last week’s NRL Grand Final in his first season.
The club confirmed the deal on Monday morning in an official statement, with Holbrook rewarded after taking Newcastle from the wooden spoon to Accor Stadium in 12 months. The Knights lost the decider 19-18 to the Sydney Roosters but sealed their first grand final appearance in 25 years under Holbrook.
Club statement
Knights Director of Football Chris James said Holbrook’s impact had been felt across the entire club. “Justin has done an incredible job since arriving at the start of this season,” James said in the club release. “He has built an environment where our players are happy, they enjoy coming to work, and every single day they walk through the door wanting to get better.”
James said that culture underpinned the grand final run and that Holbrook had also reconnected the team with the Hunter community. “Securing Justin until 2030 means we can keep building on that connection, and we’re incredibly proud to have him leading our team,” he said.
Read more: Roosters Beat Knights 19-18 in Grand Final Thriller
Holbrook’s response
“I am so excited to be at the club until the end of 2030 and hopefully longer,” Holbrook said. He thanked Wests Group CEO Phil Gardner and the board, CEO Peter Parr, James and the front office, and praised the football staff and playing group. “Having so many key players secured long-term is exciting for everyone involved,” he said. “Lastly, to our loyal members and fans of the Newcastle Knights, you are the best supporters in the game, and I want to personally thank you.”
List context
The extension lands days after reports the Knights lost recruitment powerbroker Peter O’Sullivan to Brisbane. Holbrook already has captain Kalyn Ponga and playmaker Dylan Brown locked away long-term, with back-rowers Jermaine McEwen, Francis Manuleleua and Dylan Lucas also secured, according to Nine’s coverage of the announcement. Centre Bradman Best, selected in the Kangaroos World Cup squad, is due off-contract at the end of next season unless a fresh deal is struck.
Read more: Tyson Frizell Leaving Knights After Grand Final, Tigers Linked
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