Coach’s English impact

THE Titans’ English import Kallum Watkins says the signing of Justin Holbrook as the club’s next head coach could open the door for more of his countrymen to make the jump to the NRL.

English international Watkins, who made a solid debut for the Titans last week, praised Holbrook for his successful run as a coach in the Super League with St Helens.

The former Leeds centre got to see Holbrook’s influence first hand and said he would not be surprised if some Saints players followed their coach to Australia.

“With the Saints boys ... there have been players wanting to come,” Watkins said.

“There are players in the Super League that want to test themselves here as well.

“The guys that have come here to test themselves earlier have made a massive impact, and encouraged more players to come and take it on – like myself.”

Watkins, 28, said Holbrook had a great opportunity with the Gold Coast role and was eager to see his new coach translate his success with St Helens to the struggling Titans outfit.

“I have met him (Holbrook) a couple of times and always found him to be a nice fella,” Watkins said.

“You can see he is getting the best out of the Saints players, and he will instil that over here.

“It is massively important because you have to get on with your players, have relationships with them, and know how to deal with your players because they are all different.

“It seems like he is doing that at St Helens.

“It seems like he cares, and that is the most important thing for the team and the club.

“He has a lot of passion for what he does, and a lot of care for what he does.

“You can see that. If he can instil that here, it is going to be good.”

Holbrook’s immediate concern, however, will be rebuilding the mental fortitude of this year’s side.

The vast majority of the roster, which could finish up with the wooden spoon, will return for the 2020 season.

The Titans face a horror run home starting with tomorrow’s clash with defending premiers the Roosters in Sydney.

They also will have to square off against finals-bound Melbourne and fringe topeight sides Parramatta and Newcastle.