Already out of the finals race, the Blacks scored a 40-27 win over Albury at Exies Oval on Saturday to see them finish two points adrift of a finals place after what has been a tumultuous season.

Aled Francis took over the coaching role midway through the season but with business and junior rugby commitments won’t return to the role for 2017.

President Andrew Scott said the search has already begun for his replacement.

“Aled has come in a done a band aid job for us so we will be searching for a new coach ASAP,” Scott said.

“Aled filled the void for us, has done a really job good but did it more as a favour for a few of the boys in the club.”

The Blacks are looking to start pre-season training in November and have made inquires with a West Harbour Pirates player about the role.

The loss also ends a horror premiership defence for the Steamers, who only won two games.