SAINTS’ search for a replacement for ousted head coach Keiron Cunningham appears to be over.

The club looks set to confirm the appointment of Junior Kangaroos and Sydney Roosters assistant coach Justin Holbrook.

Reports circulating in Australia suggest the 41-year-old has been offered a three-year deal to take the reins at Saints.

Although the club are still remaining tight-lipped over the appointment,  the speculation had been overdrive since Monday.

It has reached the point where bookmakers Betfred have suspended betting on the appointment.

Last week chairman Eamonn McManus had told the Star that a decision was imminent after CEO Mike Rush had returned from Australia having conducted interviews and produced a shortlist.

He stated then that he had been impressed with the calibre of applicants, spelling out what they were looking for.

“We are looking for someone who is talented; a coach who will bring the basics of man management, discipline and attacking ideas to the club,” he said.

Since Cunningham’s departure on April 10, Saints have been coached by an interim trio of Sean Long, Derek Traynor and Jamahl Lolesi.

Initially the club had suggested that they were relaxed about the trio of temporary coaches staying on until the end of the year unless they could find the right candidate available to start.

At this time it is not clear when Holbrook will arrive - if and when his appointment is confirmed.

Holbrook played in the NRL with Newcastle Knights, Penrith Panthers and Sydney Roosters in the late 1990s and early 2000s before going into coaching.

He has coached at Canterbury, St George-Illawarra and Parramatta before becoming Trent Robinson’s assistant at Roosters.

When he was iniatilly given the nod for his appointment at Roosters, Holbrook’s playing experience in the halves, proven track record working with young playmakers and his communication skills were cited as plus points.
Saints will have seen similar in their research and interview of the current Australia Under-20s coach.