Axed Titans coach Justin Holbrook has made a surprise return to head coaching by being handed the reins of the Papua New Guinea national team.
Holbrook has been appointed the Kumuls coach ahead of their November Test series against Fiji and the Cook Islands.
The 47-year-old has been in hot demand since his shock axing at the Gold Coast halfway through the season.
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*Odds are current as of 24th August 2023, 2:29pm AEST
*Odds are current as of 24th August 2023, 2:29pm AEST
*Odds are current as of 24th August 2023, 2:29pm AEST
*Odds are current as of 24th August 2023, 2:29pm AEST
*Odds are current as of 24th August 2023, 2:29pm AEST
*Odds are current as of 24th August 2023, 2:29pm AEST
*Odds are current as of 24th August 2023, 2:29pm AEST
*Odds are current as of 24th August 2023, 2:29pm AEST
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Holbrook was in talks with the Roosters, Bulldogs and Tigers before opting to re-join Trent Robinson at the Tricolours.
But he’ll now split his team between the Roosters and PNG, while Samoa also reached out – according to The Daily Telegraph – in the wake of coach Matt Parish stepping down this month.
But Holbrook decided to go with PNG who are also campaigning hard to have a team in the NRL.
Holbrook replaces Stanley Tepend who was assisted by now-Dragons coach Shane Flanagan at the World Cup last year where they bounced out in the quarterfinals.
“Having someone of the calibre of Justin coaching the Kumuls is a major boost for rugby league in the country,” PNG Kumuls chairman Wapu Sonk said.
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