Ushering in a new era at the Wagga club, Black has been appointed captain-coach to coincide with the 20th anniversary of Brothers one and only Group Nine premiership.

In 1995, the late Rick Keast steered the Brethren to a breakthrough Group Nine title victory in only their third season since moving from the defunct Group 13 competition.

Searching to rekindle the spirit of Keast's fabulous triumph, Brothers has cemented its future by recruiting 32-year-old Black on a long-term deal.

Born and bred in Sydney, Black played junior football in the Manly district (1995-2000) before joining Wests Tigers for three years.

Black's career, however, only really soared when he signed with English club Halifax in 2004, helping the club avoid relegation and later scoring 33 tries in 2005 to clinch the player-of-the-year award.

The impressive playing resume, which also includes another stint with Hallifax (2008-2011) , combined with Black's coaching background clinched the deal with Brothers, according to club secretary Riley Mullins.

Speaking to The Daily Advertiser yesterday, Mullins said Black had a first-class coaching pedigree to support his record as a player.

"Ben's got the right credentials," Mullins said yesterday.

"He's coached some of the best young players in England at Kirklees College Rugby League Academy, and he's been coached himself by ex-Great Britain coach John Kear.

"He'll bring innovations and new methods a different style of coaching to the club."

Black, who will come in Wagga in December, has been signed to replace Adam Perry as coach, with Perry to stay on in a consulting position.

Despite Black's coaching and playing profile, Mullins is adamant the Brethren intend to give the new coach fresh talent with which to work.

"We'll be looking at signing a few players in different positions," Mullins said.

"Obviously we'll sit down with Troy and work out what needs to be done."

With his strong football contacts, Black will be perfectly placed to assess and access possible overseas recruits.

Significantly, Keast built Brothers 1995 premiership around classy English hooker Mick Cook and Kiwi enforcer Reece Guy.

With Black's appointment unveiled at the club's ball on Saturday night, the reaction from the current playing group has been "positive".

Counting down to the end of the season, Brothers went down swinging 32-10 to Kangaroos at Equex Centre on Saturday.

Mullins yesterday admitted the plans of several current players were uncertain, but revealed prop Sione Nuilia is contemplating retirement.

"Obviously a lot has to be done before next year," Mullins said.

BEN BLACK FILE

Age: 32

Junior club: Manly

Career highlight: 2010 grand final win with Halifax