Justin Holbrook may have swapped St Helens for the Gold Coast, but the Titans Head Coach has revealed why he will always be red and white.
Adjusting to his new life on the Gold Coast under the blazing sun of a Queensland summer after two years of English winters has been just one of the adjustments the Super League premiership coach has had to make since taking the reins at the Titans in November.
“Obviously it has been a big change in weather conditions – but it has been great,” Holbrook said. “Instead of pulling on the jackets, I have been putting on the sunscreen.
“I go red then white again – it’s very good tanning.
“It has been great, I have loved being back around this great place.”
One quick look at the weather forecasts for the two cities Holbrook has called home as Head Coach of rugby league clubs shows just how big an adjustment he has had to make.
The Gold Coast’s forecast with this week was for fine weather, with temperatures ranging from 17C to 34C on Monday, 17C to 27C on Tuesday, 18C to 31C on Wednesday, 20C to 32C on Thursday, before finishing the week with a low of 21C and a high of 34C.
Over in St Helens, the need for sunscreen is somewhat reduced, with temperatures ranging from -2C to 6C on Monday, 2C to 7C on Tuesday, 3C to 6C on Wednesday, a steady 9C to 9C on Thursday, before lifting to a balmy (but rainy) 12C on Friday after an overnight low of 7C.
But it is not just the weather warming Holbrook’s heart on the Gold Coast, with the hot performances of the Titans’ playing group during pre-season training also bringing a smile to the coach’s face.
“The most important thing is rugby league – and that is what I am loving, and the boys are doing a great job,” he said.
“It makes our job easier (as coaches). We have to look forward to coming to work, too. If the players’ effort continues that way, then we will keep enjoying it.”
