Justin Holbrook, much like the man he credits as being his biggest influence, spent a large chunk of his apprenticeship with the best team in the competition.
Which is why he feels equipped to turn around the fortunes of the one currently ranked the worst. The Gold Coast, through various iterations including the Seagulls, Chargers and now the Titans, have yet to secure a foothold in the region, prompting chairman Dennis Watt to proclaim Holbrooks appointment as the franchises “last stand” to get it right.
Justin Holbrook is ready for the daunting task of turning around the Titans.Credit:PA
It is a huge task for a rookie NRL coach, albeit an impeccably credentialed one.
“Im not there to say Im the saviour for everything, but Im excited at the opportunity to help them improve,” Holbrook told the Herald.
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“I understand all the negative feedback around it because theyre not having the best season. For me, once Id spoken to Mal (Meninga), heard him talk about the club and how the owners have got the front office right, there are lots of positives for me.
“I know its a big job and theyre not in the best place. If they were, they wouldnt need a new coach.
I feel Ive made all the right moves and done a good job at each stage to give myself the opportunity Ive got.
“I wasnt the greatest player, thats obvious, but you learn from your coaches and other players when youre playing. For my own coaching, the path Ive taken proves Im ready.
“I feel Ive made all the right moves and done a good job at each stage to give myself the opportunity Ive got now at the Titans.”
Holbrooks playing career – as a halfback with Newcastle, Penrith and the Roosters – consisted of just 17 first-grade games.
“I knew what to do but I couldnt do it quick enough,” he quipped.
During his playing days he was coached by the likes of Warren Ryan, Ricky Stuart and Royce Simmons. But it was his time on the coaching staff at the Tricolours – after successfully overseeing the Bulldogs, Dragons and Eels lower-grade teams – that most shaped his coaching philosophy. Holbrook became Trent Robinsons right-hand man and, in spending time in the Super League, trod a similar path to an NRL head coaching gig. It remains to be seen whether he will enjoy any of Robinsons success, but the departing St Helens mentor knows he wouldnt have got the opportunity without him.
“The big impact on my coaching career was Trent at the Roosters,” he said.
“Prior to that Id always been a head coach in lower grades so youre in charge of everything in those roles.
“Then all of a sudden youre an NRL assistant only and youre looking at only certain areas of the game and the detail very closely. Trent really challenged me in those departments and Ive obviously learned a lot under Trent and the other coaches at the Roosters.
“Trent was a massive part in developing me further, getting me confident to come over to England and be a head coach in the Super League.
“Going OK over here has given me the opportunity to make that next step. Its the reason why I want to go to the Gold Coast, its where I want to coach.”
For many, the Titans coachingRead More – Source
Justin Holbrook, much like the man he credits as being his biggest influence, spent a large chunk of his apprenticeship with the best team in the competition.
Which is why he feels equipped to turn around the fortunes of the one currently ranked the worst. The Gold Coast, through various iterations including the Seagulls, Chargers and now the Titans, have yet to secure a foothold in the region, prompting chairman Dennis Watt to proclaim Holbrooks appointment as the franchises “last stand” to get it right.
Justin Holbrook is ready for the daunting task of turning around the Titans.Credit:PA
It is a huge task for a rookie NRL coach, albeit an impeccably credentialed one.
“Im not there to say Im the saviour for everything, but Im excited at the opportunity to help them improve,” Holbrook told the Herald.
Advertisement
“I understand all the negative feedback around it because theyre not having the best season. For me, once Id spoken to Mal (Meninga), heard him talk about the club and how the owners have got the front office right, there are lots of positives for me.
“I know its a big job and theyre not in the best place. If they were, they wouldnt need a new coach.
I feel Ive made all the right moves and done a good job at each stage to give myself the opportunity Ive got.
“I wasnt the greatest player, thats obvious, but you learn from your coaches and other players when youre playing. For my own coaching, the path Ive taken proves Im ready.
“I feel Ive made all the right moves and done a good job at each stage to give myself the opportunity Ive got now at the Titans.”
Holbrooks playing career – as a halfback with Newcastle, Penrith and the Roosters – consisted of just 17 first-grade games.
“I knew what to do but I couldnt do it quick enough,” he quipped.
During his playing days he was coached by the likes of Warren Ryan, Ricky Stuart and Royce Simmons. But it was his time on the coaching staff at the Tricolours – after successfully overseeing the Bulldogs, Dragons and Eels lower-grade teams – that most shaped his coaching philosophy. Holbrook became Trent Robinsons right-hand man and, in spending time in the Super League, trod a similar path to an NRL head coaching gig. It remains to be seen whether he will enjoy any of Robinsons success, but the departing St Helens mentor knows he wouldnt have got the opportunity without him.
“The big impact on my coaching career was Trent at the Roosters,” he said.
“Prior to that Id always been a head coach in lower grades so youre in charge of everything in those roles.
“Then all of a sudden youre an NRL assistant only and youre looking at only certain areas of the game and the detail very closely. Trent really challenged me in those departments and Ive obviously learned a lot under Trent and the other coaches at the Roosters.
“Trent was a massive part in developing me further, getting me confident to come over to England and be a head coach in the Super League.
“Going OK over here has given me the opportunity to make that next step. Its the reason why I want to go to the Gold Coast, its where I want to coach.”
For many, the Titans coachingRead More – Source
