STEPPING into "big shoes" is not a daunting prospect for new Southcity captain-coach Nick Skinner.
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A week after Daniel Fitzhenry dramatically quit as Bulls coach, Skinner, 26, has been unveiled as his successor.
In what was always to be a natural progression, Skinner yesterday landed the Southcity position a year earlier than he expected.
Significantly, the appointment of Skinner was announced as Tumut also finalised its coach for next year.
Speaking to The Daily Advertiser yesterday, Skinner said coaching had always been high on his sporting wish list.
"It's something I've always wanted to do," Skinner said yesterday.
"I'm very excited to be able to have a crack at coaching.
"I didn't think it would next year, but I'm ready for it."
Southcity president Rod Porter yesterday confirmed the star forward had been waiting in the wings to coach his junior club.
Porter said Fitzhenry's shock resignation from the Bulls post for 2015 had paved the way for Skinner to take over.
"There was always a plan for Nick to coach the team," Porter said.
"It's just come a year earlier than anyone thought."
Porter is adamant Skinner is a perfect replacement for Fitzhenry after four highly successful Group Nine seasons.
"From our point of view he (Skinner) ticked all the criteria," Porter.
"He's got NRL experience, has played Queensland Cup, was in the Raiders under-20 squad and was an Australian schoolboy representative.
"He's got everything you look for in a coach.
"We're fortunate we can go from one coach with NRL experience to another coach with NRL experience."
Skinner yesterday admitted Fitzhenry would be a tough act to follow, but he was primed for the challenge.
"Definitely," Skinner said.
"They're big shoes to fill, but I've had eight years of professional rugby league and I have been coached by some very good coaches."
Despite Fitzhenry's record of taking Southcity to three grand finals in four years, Skinner is adamant he will bring fresh ideas and innovations to the role.
"I'll have my own influence," he said.
For Southcity, the transition from Fitzhenry to Skinner should be smooth and seamless.
The Bulls have virtually re-signed their entire playing group from this year, with dynamic centre Peter Little currently in the throes of negotiating a new deal.
The Blues, meantime, will reveal their coach today, with speculation rife he will a player with an impressive resume at elite level.