Rugby League Coaching Manuals

Incumbent Rohan Louden remains in command but long-time mentor and backstop - classy forward Ryan Prevett - has been officially elevated to share the clipboard-carrying duties.

And club president Mark Maynard has denied rumours Prevett quietly announced his retirement as a player after the grand final victory.

"No, Ryan's definitely pulling on the boots again, but these stories get around in silly season," he laughed.

"However, Neal McCarthy reckons his knees have finally given out and it's the end of the trail ... but knowing ‘Box' ... that could also change halfway through the season."

Josh White (Bellinger Valley-Dorrigo), Darryl Fisher (Orara Valley) and Warren Gilkinson (Coffs Harbour) were all re-appointed prior to the end of last season.

Port Macquarie's Tony Pascoe will also return, with the complication of needing to serve a six-week suspension before fully taking the reins.

Pascoe was found guilty of ‘bringing the game into disrepute' following a forthright exchange of conflicting opinions with referee David Dunn during the semi finals series and as the suspension covers official (but not unofficial) pre-season trials, the actual date he resumes unencumbered duties is still to be determined.

Woolgoolga have made a cosmetic change with 2009's assistant Steve Gooley swapping roles with former head coach Darren Leaney, ensuring stability at the top level of the Seahorses.

At Macksville, Neville Donovan has stepped down after taking the Sea Eagles to a grand final appearance during a two-season stint and first grade lock forward Grant Coleman has moved up to the top job.

Macleay Valley's new boss Adam McMurray will have arguably the most difficult role of all the coaches, faced with the unenviable task of dealing with the fall-out of Dunghutti's departure from the competition.

McMurray's one-year stint away from Kempsey included selection in the Oxley Pioneers, a first grade premiership in Group 3 with Wauchope Blues and ‘player of the year' honours in that competition.

But the genial prop forward will need plenty of diplomatic skills to go with undoubted playing talents if he's to bring together the warring factions and put three competitive grades on the paddock.

Outgoing Mustangs' coach Grant Schubert hasn't announced future plans but sources have indicated he's likely to remain a key figure at Verge Street Stadium.

Meanwhile, the new broom sweeping through Nambucca Heads has seen a member of one of the club's most prominent families engaged as head coach.

Garren Stig, a player from the 1980's and 90's is now in charge and has promised major changes at the Roosters.

"At all levels we're making a fresh start and want everybody, both the officials and players, all heading forward in the same direction," he said.