Three months after agreeing to stay at Temora in 2016, Henderson has reversed the decision to take over as captain-coach at Dapto in the Illawarra competition.

Henderson, who joined Temora in 2014, and led the team to eighth in the Group Nine premiership this year, has revealed the move to Wollongong was not just about football.

“There’s an opportunity for employment that might not be there in 12 months,” Henderson said.

“And the plan has always been for the family to go back there (Wollongong).”

Originally from Griffith, Henderson played for St George-Illawarra and the Gold Coast Titans, finishing with 119 NRL games.

Only days after playing his final game for Temora, Henderson has admitted the Dragons are a team heading in the right direction.

“We improved this year on what we did the first year,” he said.

“Obviously it could have been better and there is a long way to go.

“It always takes time, but a lot of the players have shown improvement this year.

“The groundwork has been done for the incoming coach.”

Temora secretary Greg Matthews said the club would not waste any time in chasing a replacement.

“We are currently talking to other candidates to replace Hendo,” he said.

“Michael is leaving our club with our best wishes and we retain a strong relationship with him and wish him and his family all the best.”

Reflecting on the late charge in plans, Matthews described as sad the departure of Henderson.

“Michael approached the committee last week and told us that he had been offered employment in Wollongong and that he had also been approached by another club,” Matthews said.

“Michael initially gave us a guarantee of two years, and the third (2016) was a bonus for us.

“Although we are sorry to see Hendo leave, we are equally happy that he can relocate his family back to Wollongong where they both have their families.”