Meet the New Manager Justin Holbrook Who Will Replace Ivan Cleary as Penrith Panthers Coach
The Penrith Panthers have entered a new chapter with the appointment of Justin Holbrook as their new head coach, replacing the long-serving and highly successful Ivan Cleary. Holbrook arrives with a strong coaching background and a reputation for developing competitive teams, bringing fresh energy and leadership to one of the NRL’s most successful clubs in recent years.
Justin Holbrook is no stranger to top-level rugby league. As both a former professional player and an experienced coach, he has spent many years involved in the sport at different levels. Holbrook first gained major recognition as a head coach during his time with St Helens in the English Super League. Under his leadership, the club enjoyed a dominant 2019 season, finishing first on the ladder and winning the Super League Grand Final. His success in England earned him widespread praise for his attacking style of play and ability to get the best out of his squad.
Following his achievements with St Helens, Holbrook returned to the NRL to take on the role of head coach at the Gold Coast Titans in 2020. During his tenure with the Titans, he helped guide the team to the NRL finals in 2021, showing his ability to rebuild and improve developing squads. While the Titans experienced mixed results during his time there, Holbrook was widely respected for his professionalism, leadership, and focus on player development.
Before taking over at Penrith, Holbrook also spent time working as an assistant coach with the Sydney Roosters. This experience allowed him to remain closely connected to the NRL’s top coaching systems and further refine his strategic approach to the game.
Replacing Ivan Cleary is no small task. Cleary leaves behind a remarkable legacy at Penrith, guiding the Panthers to multiple premiership victories and establishing the club as one of the most dominant teams in the competition. His leadership helped build a culture of excellence and consistency that turned Penrith into a powerhouse of the modern NRL era.
Holbrook’s challenge now will be to maintain that winning culture while also bringing his own vision to the team. Known for his structured game plans and strong relationships with players, he is expected to focus on maintaining Penrith’s disciplined style while encouraging attacking creativity.
Fans will be watching closely to see how Holbrook shapes the next phase of the Panthers’ journey. With a talented roster, a strong development system, and a passionate fan base behind the club, the new coach has the tools needed to continue Penrith’s success.
While replacing a legendary coach like Ivan Cleary comes with pressure, Justin Holbrook’s experience and proven track record suggest he is ready for the challenge. As the Panthers begin this new era, supporters will hope Holbrook can build on the club’s recent dominance and guide Penrith to further success in the seasons ahead.
