Perry was assistant coach to James Smart during the premiership run of the Tigers this year but was more than happy to come in to the top role for 2019.

“PJ (Smart) did a good job last year and they have a good set up over there so I’m looking forward to it,” Perry said.

Following his retirement from the NRL, Perry spent two years as captain-coach of hometown club Junee, before being part of their run to the 2010 grand final.

After ending his playing days, Perry then linked with Brothers and was co-coach at the Wagga cub in 2013 and 2014 before coming on board with the Tigers last season.

He doesn’t expect too many things to change now that he is at the helm at Gundagai.

“I think we will just continue on from what we did last year,” Perry said.

“Things will be fairly similar.

“I don’t see too much changing.

“There’s a bit more prep work (now), but I was at every game apart from one or two and every training session about from a couple so I don’t see that changing too much.”

He also doesn’t believe being the premiers adds any pressure.

“I don’t read too much into all of that,” he said.

“I’ll just take it all as it comes and I think think the expectations are to win again but to do the best as we can.”

Gundagai secretary Martin Hay thought the 133-game veteran with the Bulldogs was the obvious choice to come in to replace Smart after his three-year stint as captain-coach ended with a grand final win over Southcity earlier this month.

“He was really great for us this year and helped PJ (Smart) out enormously,” Hay said.

“He’s played over 100 odd games of NRL, won a premiership there and his knowledge of the game is second to none in this area.

“Plus he has a really good rapport with all the players and it was a pretty easy choice.”

Leading into the finals series, Smart announced he would be stepping as captain-coach and was undecided on his future but has signed on with the club once more.

They are too many changes are expected from the premiership winning team, although the Tigers are exploring options to cover the retired Damian Willis.

Gundagai are talking from players outside the group, but Perry said with the club’s Weissel Cup team going well last season there is a number of options there.

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