Justin Holbrook will lead the Newcastle Knights until at least 2030, with the club adding another two years to his contract to crown what was unquestionably one of the best seasons in the team’s history.
There was little question that the Hunter club would want to lock up Holbrook longer term after he guided Newcastle to a spot in 2026’s decider—a feat made even more incredible by the fact that much the same NRL roster had just finished as the league’s wooden spooners the year before he took charge.
The Knights may have eventually lost to the star-studded Sydney Roosters by a single point, 19–18, in the NRL grand final, but to even make the big dance was a glorious run.
Newcastle announced the re-signing on Monday, confirming Holbrook’s reward was a new deal that includes 2029 and 2030. (He should have also won coach of the year at the Dally M Medals, but that’s another story.)
“I am so excited to be at the club until the end of 2030 and hopefully longer,” Holbrook said in a club statement today. “The support I’ve received from the Wests Group CEO Phil Gardner and the board, CEO Peter Parr, director of football Chris James, and the entire front office staff has been fantastic.”
He also went on to thank Knights fans, whom he dubbed “the best supporters in the game,” and said he wants to repay the faith they’d already shown this year.
“Our playing group are all hard-working and committed to being successful. Having so many key players secured long-term is exciting for everyone involved. I’m very excited and grateful to lead this proud club for years to come.”
Football director Chris James had just as much praise for Holbrook, pointing out how much the helmsman has changed the club since arriving this season.
“Justin has done an incredible job. He has built an environment where our players are happy, they enjoy coming to work, and every day they walk through the door wanting to get better. That… is the foundation of everything this group achieved in reaching our first grand final in 25 years,” he said.
“Just as importantly, Justin has reconnected this team with our community. Our members, fans, and the people of the Hunter can see themselves in this group again. The support we felt this season was something special.
“Securing [Holbrook] until 2030 means we can keep building on that connection, and we’re incredibly proud to have him leading our team.”
The re-signing comes after confirmation that Head of Recruitment Peter O’Sullivan is leaving to join the Brisbane Broncos. He reportedly departs for a five-year, $2.5 million deal with the Queensland powerhouse after signing key young stars like Dylan Brown, Francis Manuleleua, and Sandon Smith.
Other recruitment questions hang around Bradman Best and Jacob Saifiti, both of whom are off contract after 2027. The former is already being lined up by the Parramatta Eels to move to Sydney from 2028 and beyond.
Newcastle’s next NRL campaign under Holbrook will begin in early March 2027.
– Isaac McIntyre
