Griffith have internally appointed a first grade coach.
Willie de Meyer, previously the first grade manager, will replace Nick Gleeson and Mathew Vitucci at the helm.
de Meyer has no first grade coaching experience, however, he has played provincial rugby in Zimbabwe and South Africa.
The former prop, who has lived in Griffith since 2008, looked forward to the challenge coaching a successful club presented.
“The club had reached a high standard the year before last by winning the premiership,” de Meyer said.
“With good club administration in place, I think we have good grounds to attain those sorts of levels again.”
A position in the top three is a clear goal for de Meyer.
“We want to make the top three but we want to be consistent about it,” de Meyer said. “It is doable with a bit of strategic planning and good administration.
“Also good player turnout, because you need the depth to be able to attain that (top three position).”
de Meyer will be assisted by Andrew Madden, who stepped into the role of strength and conditioning coach.
The quest for another premiership has begun as the Blacks started pre-season training in recent weeks.
Along with fitness, de Meyer said getting the basics right was key to Griffith’s success.
He said that needed to start up front.
“They (the forwards) lay the platform and if they are able to dominate, it gives the backline free reign to attack,” he said.
“The whole playing list have to do the basics well but you have to be fit.”
Blacks president Andrew Scott said the decision to go with de Meyer was an easy one.
“He’s got a fairly level head,” Scott said.
“He knows a lot of the guys within the club which we thought was handy.
“We are quite happy with Willie.”
