Brief
Newcastle Knights appoint Justin Holbrook as head coach after extensive interview process
The club’s selection panel praised Holbrook’s game plan and ability to connect with players.
By Felo News Desk · Published
Newcastle announced on Monday that former Roosters assistant Justin Holbrook has been appointed head coach of the Knights, succeeding Adam O’Brien who left in August 2025.
What happened
The Knights conducted a multi‑stage interview process that included five candidates: internal staff Blake Green and Brian McDermott, former St George Illawarra assistant Dean Young, Leeds‑based Brad Arthur and Holbrook. The selection panel – chief executive Peter Parr, director of football Chris James, chairman Geoff Coburn, board member Tony Price and club legend Michael Hagan – met with each prospect and evaluated their ideas for the club’s future.
What the reports add
The SMH report notes that Green and McDermott emphasized tightening the defence and identifying emerging talent, while Young focused on strengthening pathways for junior players. Arthur highlighted his experience taking Parramatta to the 2022 grand final and his familiarity with Knights forward Dylan Brown, a ten‑year, $13 million signing. Holbrook distinguished himself by outlining a specific attacking blueprint that would utilise the speed of Kalyn Ponga, Bradman Best, Dom Young, Fletcher Sharpe, Fletcher Hunt, Sandon Smith and Dylan Brown.
What was said
According to the article, panel members “loved what Holbrook had to say; how he wanted to tap into the attacking talents” of the squad. The report also mentions Holbrook’s previous success, winning the 2019 Super League grand final with St Helens, and his experience as an assistant at the Roosters, where he worked under a “success‑driven” environment.
How it came about
O’Brien’s departure in August 2025 left the Knights seeking a fresh direction after a period of mixed results. The club’s recent rise to a preliminary‑final appearance, detailed in earlier Felo coverage, heightened expectations for a coach who could blend the historic gritty defence of the 1997 and 2001 premiership teams with a modern attacking style. Holbrook’s international exposure, including time with Mal Meninga’s Kangaroos set‑up, was also cited as a factor in his selection.
Key facts
- Justin Holbrook was appointed head coach of the Newcastle Knights. (smh.com.au)
- Five candidates were interviewed: Blake Green, Brian McDermott, Dean Young, Brad Arthur and Justin Holbrook. (smh.com.au)
- The selection panel included Peter Parr, Chris James, Geoff Coburn, Tony Price and Michael Hagan. (smh.com.au)
- Holbrook outlined an attacking game plan centred on players such as Kalyn Ponga and Bradman Best. (smh.com.au)
- Holbrook previously won the 2019 Super League grand final with St Helens and was an assistant at the Roosters. (smh.com.au)
Sources
- [1] smh.com.au — originally reported as “NRL grand final 2026: Five men interviewed for the top job in Newcastle. This is why the Knights picked Justin Holbrook”
