THE Papua New Guinea Rugby Football League (PNGRFL) will formally advertise the head coach position of the PNG LNG Kumuls in the coming days.
PNGRFL Chief Executive Officer, Mr Stanley Hondina, indicated this in a statement yesterday (July 3), while announcing the departure of Kumuls head coach, Justin Holbrook.
Hondina confirmed that he was notified by Justin Holbrook of his unavailability to be the head coach of PNG LNG Kumuls for the end of this year’s internationals.
The PNGRFL CEO said Holbrook, who steered the PNG LNG Kumuls to its 2023 Pacific Bowl victory 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.
“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,” Holbrook notified.
“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.”
“I want to thank the PNGRFL for the opportunity to be Head Coach. It was an experience I loved,” Holbrook added.
“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.”
Mr. 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.”
Hondina said the PNGRFL will be releasing a formal advertisement for the vacancy of the PNG LNG Head Coach role in the coming days.
Meanwhile, dates for the 2024 Prime Minister’s XIII and the Pacific Championships are yet to be released and announced.
