THE Leeton Phantoms are on the hunt for a new coach after Seru Rogo informed the club he would be returning home to Fiji next month.
Subscribe now for unlimited access.
$0/
(min cost $0)
or signup to continue reading
Rogo has coached the club several times, but has notified the club he won't be available to take the role on next season.
The club is now searching for a new head coach as it looks to start building towards next year's Southern Inland Rugby Union season.
Rogo said while he will be absent this season, he will continue working with the club throughout the season.
"I might not be there in person, but I still plan to be very much involved," he said.
"I love this club very much. They are a great bunch of blokes, so I'll still be helping out whoever the new coach is.
MORE SPORT
"The focus for us will be to build on the local talent and encourage them to come and play and love the club as much as we do, rather than looking to overseas so much.
"That's an important focus."
Rogo is a coach players respond to thanks to his knowledge of the game, but his ability to bring a side together.
He believes next season will be a big one for the club.
"The thing we struggled with this year was the loss of so many first grade players at the start of the year," Rogo said.
"We brought in these new players, but we weren't expecting to lose so many first grade players.
"In saying that, I think we still had a very good side, there were just a few things working against us.
"They will definitely be a good side next year."
Rogo's return to Fiji won't be the only change for the Phantoms.
The club held its annual general meeting recently where president Tim Allen decided to step down.
Allen had been at the helm for the past two years, but decided to vacate the position to concentrate on refereeing in the competition.
"I have enjoyed my two years as president, but I've decided to concentrate on referring," he said.
"There's a real shortage of referees at the moment."
John Hill was elected as the new president, with Scott McDonald his deputy as vice president.
Simon Wallace will be treasurer and Chris Wallace secretary.
The Phantoms have been enjoying a solid off-season already by competing in several sevens competitions, as well as continuing on with training when possible.
****
While you're with us, you can now receive updates straight to your inbox every Friday at 6am from The Irrigator. To make sure you're up to date with all news in Leeton sign up here.