Aug 1st, 2019

Justin Holbrook

Aug 1st, 2019

He's taken on the toughest job in rugby league - but Justin Holbrook holds no fears of failure as he prepares to coach the struggling Gold Coast Titans from next season.

In his first one-on-one interview since being appointed this week, the former Newcastle, Penrith and Roosters halfback believes he will bring an end to the Titans' woeful record of recent years.

The embattled club has finished in the bottom three four times in the last five seasons, going through three coaches in that time.

Holbrook expected to be named Titans coach

"I'm coming in with my eyes wide open - I know the club has had its problems in the past," 43-year-old Holbrook told Wide World of Sports from the UK.

"But it has got the front office right now, with Mal Meninga and Dennis Watt running things, and I see it as a great opportunity.

"The right people are in there and it's important for rugby league that the game flourishes in a big, growing area like the Gold Coast.

"I am confident I can help lift the club up the ladder and can't wait to take on the challenge."

Holbrook beat hot favourite Kevin Walters for the job on the strength of his stunning feats at St Helens in Super League after several assistant coach jobs in the NRL.

He has steered the club to 10 points clear of the field on the Super League ladder and won 62 of 78 games since taking charge - a stunning success rate of over 80 per cent.

"It's been a great experience but the call to come home and work with the Titans was too strong," he said.

"I plan to arrive back mid October and hit the ground running - there is a lot of work to do."