Justin Holbrook is set to win the race to coach newly minted NRL wooden spooners Newcastle in 2026.

The former Gold Coast coach had led a list of candidates to replace Adam O’Brien, with Knights assistant Blake Green and St George Illawarra assistant Dean Young among the other options.

But the struggling club is expected to confirm at a board meeting on Monday night that former Newcastle halfback Holbrook will return to NRL coaching next year, less than three years after being fired by the Titans.

He has since worked at the Sydney Roosters as assistant to head coach Trent Robinson.

The 49-year-old is contracted with the Tricolours until the end of next season, but Robinson has previously indicated the club would permit him to leave for a head coaching job.

Holbrook had a 37.8 per

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