The Diesels play for their season when they take on Gundagai in the Group Nine elimination final on Sunday, but regardless of the result at Anzac Park Vatubuli will take the coaching reins again in 2019.

Coming in as an 11th hour replacement for Dane Nielsen, Vatubuli has helped orchestrate a finals return for a Junee outfit looking to end a 32-year premiership drought.

He was pleased to come on board for a second season.

“We started well this year so why not?,” Vatubuli said.

“I think I have got the job done but it’s not done yet.

“We just have to keep trotting along and see how far we can go this year.”

Vatubuli received a late call up just weeks before the start of the season after Nielsen was sacked over an off-field incident.

He’s been able to build the side into one of the contenders this season, and while he knows his job is far from over this season it has been an enjoyable season so far.

“It has been a good ride with the boys and the respect from the players bringing in a new culture is something to nurture next year,” he said.

“I’m happy with it.”

The Diesels have overcome a mid-season slip to win the race for fourth place.

Now they’ve got to down a Tigers outfit coming off a big loss on the border to remain in the title fight.

Vatubuli believes there are plenty of positives the Diesels can take after their crucial win over Young into the finals series.

“It is the first time we’ve ever played second half footy and kept them scoreless,” he said.

“To score 30 unanswered points is good and is finishing off strong.

“It is what we needed coming into finals.”

Both teams scored convincing wins at their respective home grounds so far this season.

Vatubuli believes defence will be key.

“If we defend well on Sunday it will be a positive start for us in the finals,” he said.

“We just have to defend well and make sure we don’t give away penalties.”

Gundagai has plenty of injury concerns after the 48-16 loss to Albury, but Vatubuli just wants to focus on his own team’s performance.

President Simon Vanzanten was thrilled to have secured Vatubuli for a second season and now wants to focus on retaining their current playing ranks.

Thankful for the support of the Diesels hierarchy, Vatubuli doesn’t expect too many changes.

“There is a few that will be staying back plus the local boys,” he said.

“I’m always prepared to work with the local players and the bunch we have at the moment you’ve already got a first grade side without getting imports.

“I’m pretty happy with that.”

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