Warrington Wolves: Another NRL coach named second favourite to take charge; odds for Lee Briers, Shaun Wane and Tony Smith revealed

Former St Helens boss Justin Holbrook has been named as the favourite to take over the vacant Warrington Wolves head coach job by the bookmakers.

But another NRL head coach has been included in the list as second favourite.

Super League sponsors Betfred have named Newcastle Knights head coach Adam O’Brien at 4/1 in their list for the next permanent Warrington coach.

O’Brien, 45, was appointed as Knights’ new coach in September 2019, with his current contract running through until 2024.

The Australian was under pressure until recently, with Newcastle having won their last four NRL games to climb within a point of the top eight behind North Queensland Cowboys, Cronulla Sharks and South Sydney Rabbitohs on 26 points.

Sacked Gold Coast Titans coach Justin Holbrook had reportedly been approached by the club, via Sydney Morning Herald, but chief executive Philip Gardner has since rubbished the claims, speaking with Newcastle Herald.

O’Brien is expected to continue within his role, but has been listed by Betfred.

Betfred reveal 12-man list for next Warrington Wolves coach

Lee Briers, Justin Morgan and Shaun Wane have all been included in a 12-man list.

Club legend Briers, who retired in 2013, left the Halliwell Jones Stadium at the end of the 2022 campaign to join Wigan Warriors as assistant under Matt Peet.

A successful year for the ex-Wales international saw him earn an opportunity with Brisbane Broncos in the NRL.

He has been priced at 10/1, with Brett Hodgson, Richard Marshall and Justin Morgan all above.

Wigan legend Shaun Wane, who won three Super League titles, one World Club Challenge, one Challenge Cup and one League Leaders’ Shield with the Warriors, has also been priced at 10/1.

Wane, 58, will lead England through until the 2025 World Cup following his new contract earlier in February.

England will also face Tonga in an end of year test series on home soil.

Ex-Wolves coach Tony Smith has been priced at 16/1, currently in charge of Hull FC.

Veteran Australian coach Smith, 56, left Warrington at the end of 2017 after nine years in charge of the club. He has since coached Hull KR before joining the Black & Whites ahead of 2023.

Another veteran of the game, John Kear has an outside-price at 100/1. The 68-year-old was sacked by Widnes Vikings earlier in June after a poor run of results in the Championship.

He is still currently the head coach of Wales on the international scene.

Michael Monaghan (25/1), Ian Watson (33/1), and Kevin Brown (100/1) also named.

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