Roosters won't stop Holbrook pursuing Knights job

Justin Holbrook has been given permission by the Sydney Roosters to apply for the Newcastle job. (Dave Hunt/AAP PHOTOS)

Trent Robinson has cleared his assistant Justin Holbrook to pursue the Newcastle head-coaching job, as Knights officials begin the search to replace Adam O'Brien.

Holbrook is expected to be one of several options for Newcastle after O'Brien officially agreed to walk out on the final two years of his contract.