Justin Holbrook knows the perils of being an NRL coach better than most and what it’s like to be fired from a job so publicly scrutinised by media and fans alike.
Holbrook was shockingly let go by the Gold Coast Titans half-way through last season, with the public and Holbrook himself unaware he was in danger. Former Manly coach Des Hasler was announced as his replacement hours after he was fired.
In light of Jason Demetriou’s public firing last week, Holbrook, who is now an assistant coach at the Sydney Roosters, has revealed the struggles of being a coach and how it feels to be fired mid-season.
“It’s definitely a horrible feeling and really hard if it’s never happened before… but you get through it and you move on,” Holbrook explained on SEN 1170 Afternoons.
“I’m happy, I’m back doing what I’m doing. I love coaching, I want to be a head coach but I’m obviously not in that position. I’m loving being an assistant.
“I don’t think there’s an easy way to sugarcoat it. The club makes a decision and you got to move on… we all know what we sign up for.
“Being a head coach is an awesome and very privileged position to be. Heading up a club in the NRL is a huge honour but the worst part of it is getting moved on.”
Holbrook also opened up about what he said to Demetriou after it was announced his time at South Sydney was over.
“I reached out to him straight away and sent him a message because you’re always going to get one from family and friends but if you get one from within the game it does give it a lot more merit,” Holbrook said, “that’s the biggest reinforcement that you want.”
“It’s never happened to Jason before and it hadn’t happened to me and I guess slightly different, I sort of didn’t know it was happening and then it happened really suddenly. For Jason, it was probably a bit drawn out and it would’ve been a bit tougher on himself and his family that’s for sure.
“People always say you’re either a coach waiting to be sacked… but as a coach you don’t see that happening.”
Holbrook is now focused on preparing the Roosters for their Round 10 clash against the One New Zealand Warriors, who have been struggling recently with three straight losses.