To those doubting Holbrook's credentials, hes worked at the club before in the lower grades and has a 59-15 record as coach of St. Helen's, which is 80%. Obviously the NRL is tougher but Holbrook couldn't have done a better job thus far.
Other coaches with NRL experience that would be options aside from Flanagan (who is still banned and comes with baggage and a microscope) have all been fired from multiple clubs and most of them for good reason.
Don't let the Pay debacle put you off the notion of another coach without NRL experience. Pay had no head coaching experience aside from the NSW 20's or Bush footy. Holbrook has coached the biggest club in England and they've dominated since. He coaches ex NRL players and internationals which doesn't count for nothing. It's still professional football. He's no rookie... It's a matter of when, not if Holbrook gets an NRL job. Hopefully it's with this club and not another one...