3 Jul 2024
Kumuls search for new coach after Holbrook takes on Kangaroos role
Papua New Guinea Rugby Football League CEO Stanley Hondina has announced the vacancy of the Kumuls head coach position after Justin Holbrook stood down to accept a role with the Kangaroos.
Hondina confirmed that he was notified by Justin Holbrook of his unavailability to be head coach of the Kumuls for the end of year Pacific Championships.
Holbrook, who steered the Kumuls to victory in the final of the 2023 Pacific Bowl and who is currently an assistant coach at the Sydney Roosters, gave notice that he would be moving on from PNG’s national men’s team in 2024.
“It is with mixed emotions that I have stepped down as head coach of the Kumuls," Holbrook said. "I thoroughly enjoyed coaching the team and winning the Pacific Bowl Championships last year in PNG.
"To witness the passion for rugby league from all the players, staff and everyone in their country was unbelievable.
“I have taken up a role as the Australian assistant coach for the Pacific Championships under Mal Meninga for this year's series against New Zealand and Tonga.
"Both series run at the same time so unfortunately I cannot continue as Kumuls coach.”
Holbrook added: “I want to thank the PNGRFL for the opportunity to be head coach. It was an experience I loved. The PNG people were so welcoming of me to their country. The love that they have for their team, and opposition teams, shows how much Rugby League means to the people of PNG.”
Hondina said: “We respect Coach Justin’s decision and are grateful for the time that he has served our national side in 2023, which saw the first invitational and international Test series to be held on our home ground since COVID 19.
"We wish him well in his future endeavours and as he takes up this new role with the Australian Kangaroos. The PNGRFL will be releasing a formal advertisement for the vacancy of the PNG LNG head coach role in the coming days.”
Dates for the 2024 Prime Minister’s XIII and the Pacific Championships are yet to be announced publicly.