Mick takes the Raynes - Albury secure new SIRU coach

SOUTHERN Inland Rugby Union (SIRU) premier Albury has secured the man it hopes can lead the club to consecutive titles in 2014.

The Steamers this week announced Mick Raynes as their new coach.

Raynes will step into the shoes of the outgoing Dave Stuart, who this year led the club to the ultimate SIRU success, remaining undefeated through the entire season and winning the decider in August.

Stuart has moved to Dubbo for work and family commitments.

Raynes had coached Albury's reserve grade team in 2011 and 2012 before taking a step away from rugby this year.

This week he agreed to return and take on the top job.

Raynes had previously played alongside Stuart at CSU Reddies and says he knows the style of play his predecessor would have instituted at the Steamers.

Raynes will now begin building his playing roster to plan his SIRU campaign.

The Steamers have lost the competition's 2013 leading point scorer James Olds and big prop Scott Meakins, who have moved to Canberra to play.

Raynes is no phased by the losses to date, pointing to the club's younger brigade who are just coming through to the senior ranks.

The appointment of Raynes leaves just three SIRU clubs looking for coaches to fill the void next year.

Ag College, Cootamundra and Leeton are still scratching to find replacements for their outgoing 2013 coaches.