The Papua New Guinea Kumuls’ head coach Justin Holbrook has announced his resignation in order to accept a new coaching role on the international scene.
The former coach of the Gold Coast Titans and assistant coach of the Sydney Roosters led the Kumuls to victory over the Cook Islands and Fiji in the 2023 Pacific Bowl.
But Holbrook has given up the role, so he won’t be coming back.
Holbrook announced his resignation as the Kumuls’ head coach and said he had taken a position as an assistant coach for the Australia Kangaroos, working under Mal Meninga.
“I am leaving my position as Head Coach of the Kumuls with mixed feelings. In a statement, Holbrook stated, “I had a great time leading the squad and taking home the Pacific Bowl Championships in PNG last year.
It was amazing to see how passionate everyone in the nation—players, staff, and the general public—was about rugby league.
“I am sorry, but I am unable to continue as Kumuls Coach while both series run simultaneously.
For giving me the chance to be Head Coach, I would like to thank the PNGRFL. I had a great time experiencing it. I felt really welcomed by the people of PNG.
“How much rugby league means to the people of PNG is demonstrated by the love they have for both their team and the opposition teams.”
It is anticipated that a formal job posting for the open PNG coaching vacancy will shortly be released by the Papua New Guinea Rugby Football League (PNGRL).
“We appreciate Coach Justin’s choice and are appreciative of his time spent leading our national team in 2023—the year our home field hosted its first international test series and invitational since COVID-19,” PNGRFL CEO Stanley Hondina continued.
“We wish him well in his new role with the Australian Kangaroos and in his future endeavors.”
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