Signed, sealed, delivered: Knights coach strikes new deal

Knights prop Jacob Saifiti reckons it feels like somewhat of a "security blanket".

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One commentator declares Newcastle "got their man".

While a club legend simply states: "done an incredible job and will continue to do so."

Knights coach Justin Holbrook (centre). Jacob Saifiti, Paul Harragon and GF night (insets). Pictures by Marina Neil

These are just some of the reactions to Knights coach Justin Holbrook signing a contract extension.

Fresh on the back of a fairytale first season in charge, going from wooden spoon to grand final and finishing one point shy of a drought-breaking NRL premiership, Holbrook isn't going anywhere.

Holbrook will now remain at the Hunter-based club until the end of 2030, adding another two years to his initial deal signed around 12 months ago.

Saifiti, talking from World Cup camp with Fiji in Newcastle following Monday's official announcement, welcomed the move after a Knights campaign to remember.

"So good. Him [Holbrook] and the coaching staff are probably 90 percent of the reason why the club's been turned around," Saifiti told the Newcastle Herald.

"A good reward for his hard work and all the effort he's put in. A good security blanket for the club as well.

"Him being here and having that secured, it's not only good for us but good for the fans as well. Everyone's so happy."

Holbrook originally put pen to paper for three years, starting in 2026 and expiring 2028, having taken over the reins once last season concluded.

He could eventually become one of the most capped coaches in Knights history by the end of his now increased tenure, currently sitting on 28 competition games in charge. Michael Hagan and Adam O'Brien are those to have hit triple figures previously.

Holbrook's instant impact has been felt both on and off the field, not only results wise but a much-improved for-and-against record and rallying community support across the region.

Paul "Chief" Harragon, Newcastle's premiership captain in 1997 who recently waved off the team bus from club headquarters before the GF, added via a Knights social media clip: "Justin Holbrook has done an incredible job and he will continue to do so."

Denan Kemp, who runs the rugby league podcast Bloke In A Bar, also chimed in: "They got their man. Justin Holbrook locked in. They [Knights] said no, no, no we are not letting this bloke go anywhere near the open market because he'd get snapped up in a second. What an incredible journey."

"I am so excited to be at the club until the end of 2030 and hopefully longer," Holbrook said via a club statement.

"The support I have 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.

"The Knights football staff are an absolute pleasure to work with.

"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.

"Lastly, to our loyal members and fans of the Newcastle Knights, you are the best supporters in the game, and I want to personally thank you.

"I'm very excited and grateful to lead this proud club for years to come."

Knights director of football Chris James says the deal allows the club to "keep building" for coming campaigns.

"Justin has done an incredible job since arriving at the start of this season," James said via a club statement.

"He has built an environment where our players are happy, they enjoy coming to work, and every single day they walk through the door wanting to get better.

"That culture is the foundation of everything this group achieved in reaching our first grand final in 25 years. 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, and the support we felt this season was something special.

"Securing Justin until 2030 means we can keep building on that connection, and we're incredibly proud to have him leading our team."

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