Recently sacked Titans coach Justin Holbrook has rejected the chance to return to head coaching almost immediately with a move to Warrington Wolves in favour of accpeting an assistant’s role at the Roosters.
He has only been out of work for six weeks and had been touted as a potential replacement for Adam O’Brien at Newcastle, and was offered a return to the UK, where he previously won a championship with St Helens.
Canterbury were also chasing him to join Cameron Ciraldo’s staff but he decided to head back to Bondi Junction where he previously served as Trent Robinson’s understudy.
“My decision to go with the Roosters was my personal knowledge of the club and how professional they are,” he said on Friday.
“Having very good people that are well-qualified in their roles makes the world of difference to coaches, and knowing Robbo well and how he will challenge me to add value to the club made this decision make sense to me.
Titans coach Justin Holbrook. (Photo by Chris Hyde/Getty Images)
“I must say I was all but gone to England to join the Warrington Wolves who were terrific to deal with, but it just wasn’t right for my family, so again when I spoke to Trent and (chairman) Nick (Politis) and understood the role I would play, I felt the Roosters were the right choice.
“Now it’s all done, I am looking forward to doing what I love, and that’s coaching.”
Warrington only sacked their previous coach, Daryl Powell, on Sunday following a string of defeats that has left them scrapping for a spot in the finals despite having started the season with eight consecutive wins. They have gone 3-12 since.
Lodge hobbled with ACL tear
Manly coach Anthony Seibold admits his task to make the top-eight has got a whole lot harder after losing prop Matt Lodge to an ACL injury.
Lodge was taken off the field early in Thursday’s loss to the Sydney Roosters, leaving their middle rotation severely depleted.
The prop, who is on a train and trial deal at the club after being let go by the Roosters earlier this year, has yet to sign a contract beyond the end of this season.
If he can land a deal at Manly or elsewhere for 2024 it will likely be on a reduced rate given that he will probably miss at least half of the season.
It spells more woe for the Sea Eagles with props Josh Aloiai and Taniela Paseka already both ruled out for the season ahead of their run towards the finals.
Daniel Tupou is tackled by Matt Lodge. (Photo by Matt King/Getty Images)
Seibold, whose side sit one win out of the finals places, said Lodge would be out for “an extended period of time.”
“He’s obviously shattered, we’ll pick up the pieces over the next couple of days. I feel for him and his family,” added the coach.
Matters weren’t helped when Tof Sipley spent time in the sin bin. Seibold said prop Sean Keppie, who was ruled out with a back issue, could be back for next week’s game with Penrith.
The Manly coach said he took pride in how his side rallied against the Roosters.
“That was our third game in 11 days and they’ve all been really physical games in some way, shape or form,” Seibold said.
“We were still throwing some punches at the end, we just didn’t get it quite right We’ve got two days to get away from footy and then we come back here and we start preparing for next week.
“But we’ve got four opportunities left and we are still in the fight. It becomes a little bit harder, but we’re still in the fight and feel as though we’ve still got this in our own hands.”
with AAP
andrew
Roar Rookie
I'll be interested to see if Tino or Fifita pull up stumps at the Titans, especially after the clause in their contracts. Well Justin, we'll see how much they like your coaching.
Succhi
Roar Rookie
I think that is a very astute signing by the Roosters. I think their downfall has been developing young assistant coaches, who then move onto other clubs to pursue head coaching roles. Having an experienced assistant coach, can be just as valuable as the head coach. Look at Broncos with Cartwright, Parra with Barrett. Maybe Manly would be at the bottom of the ladder if Flanagan wasn’t there!
DavMan
Roar Rookie
Looks like Seibold's plan to have a dozen props on the books doesn't seem so obtuse now.
Bill
Roar Rookie
As a Manly fan, I really liked what I saw from Lodge these first couple of games, bit of a shame. Would have been nice to see him and Paseka pair up to begin next season. Big and strong upfront, big, mobile and skilful on the edges with Haumole and Shus, speed on the outside with Tom recovered at the back. What a dream
Horses for Courses
Roar Rookie
Matt Walsh? I guess if his NRL career fails he can always fall back on his side hustle as a conservative political commentator. I am glad he was able to take time away from getting outraged at movies for little girls in order to have a crack at Rugby League.
Dumbo
Roar Rookie
In May last year Matt Walsh was released by the Warriors who (according to Fox) paid him out for the rest of the season and for this season as well - $700K. (As an aside the Warriors are still carrying him under their cap for this year, so doesn't that make this year's performance look even better?) The point is, Matt may end up on reduce earnings next year, but he he's hardly on his beam ends. It's always going to be a risk for a player who can't hold down a spot at a club that he will get injured and be out of work. Maybe a lesson for young players coming through.