‘Learned nothing’: Knights coach’s cheeky GF dig with ex-colleagues ‘not mates’ any more

Newcastle Knights coach Justin Holbrook traded lighthearted banter with Sydney Roosters coach Trent Robinson during Thursday's press conference ahead of the NRL Grand Final. Holbrook playfully joked that he learned nothing from his former boss during his two stints as Roosters assistant coach, declaring that the two are not mates this week.

Robinson praised Holbrook's coaching trajectory, noting his success was inevitable regardless of their time together. The Knights enter Sunday's decider at Accor Stadium as underdogs, marking Newcastle's first grand final appearance in 25 years following finals wins over South Sydney, the Warriors, and Penrith.