SYDNEY Roosters assistant Justin Holbrook is now red-hot favourite to be installed as the new Saints coach.

Bookmaker Betfred have taken the rare step of suspending the market after a flurry of bets on the 41-year-old Australian over a 24-hour period this week.

Holbrook was second favourite behind Jason Demetriou but 50 league fans piled in on the Junior Kangaroo coach Holbrook, who was backed from 8-1 to evens.

A Betfred spokesman said: "There were around 20 significant bets all on Holbrook at our shops in St Helens, Wigan and Leigh.

"The biggest was a £100 at 8-1 placed in Hindley.

"That made us take notice.

"He was quickly established as favourite and we have decided to suspend all bets on this market as an announcement is expected from the Saints sooner rather than later."