For the third time in the last three years Griffith are looking for a new coaching set up.
Blacks co-coach Nick Gleeson has announced he will leave the club after two seasons and is set to link with Queanbeyan in a fortnight.
He joined Matt Vitucci in the leadership role this season, following Seru Rogo’s dramatic departure, and is looking forward to a new opportunity in the strong Canberra competition.
“I’ve got a job and the opportunity and I thought I might as well give it a go,” Gleeson said.
“It should be good to go and see how I measure up.
“It sounds like they are a pretty success club.”
Gleeson has been involved in Southern Inland team for the last two seasons, including being part of the return to Country Week this year.
He will join girlfriend Ashley in Canberra and her family’s strong ties with the club is another reason for the move.
Originally from Osborne, Gleeson has an Australian rules background before taking up rugby union at university in Newcastle.
Gaining employment was the catalyst for the move to the Blacks, but Gleeson has enjoyed his time at the club.
The premiership success in 2014 is the highlight for the 24-year-old time with the club.
The Blacks just went down to eventual grand finalists Waratahs in the first week of the finals but Glesson was happy with how the season panned out.
“We surpassed everyone’s expectations," he said.
“I guess at the end we let ourselves down by not finishing as high as we could have but given the hand we were dealt and the few unlucky things.
“I’m pretty happy with how we finished.
“It is something to build on for next year.”
Vitucci is yet to commit to another season but Gleeson thought having a non-playing coach would be the best way forward to the club.
“I think it would be preferable if we could get a non-playing coach,” he said.
“I think that makes it a lot easier and the team is a lot more settled so I think they will be on the look out for a non-playing coach.
“If he (Vitucci) wants to put his hand up again he will get the gig and he did quite a good job this year so we will see what happens in the next few weeks.
“I don’t think it has been talked about too much yet.”
Gleeson is the only confirmed departure and the club is set to welcome David Dore for 2016.
Like Gleeson, Dore has an Australian rules background and has moved to town.
“He will probably play fullback or in the centres,” Gleeson said.
“Again with that AFL background he’s good at reading the play and is another big boot in the team.”
