Coombes replaces Paul Mussara after three years at the helm of the Steamers.

Albury only won two games in 2016 before Mussara came on board for his third stint as coach.

He took them to the preliminary final last season and Coombes, who has captained the club's second grade side for the past two years, is looking to build on the foundation laid.

"I'm a new voice, I've got a lot of respect for the outgoing coach and want to continue on from the groundwork he has laid," Coombes said.

"We've got some new guys coming in and we really want to bring the whole club together as one and have a strong club across all grades next year.

Coombes comes in as a non-playing coach.

He spent most of his career with Eastwood in Sydney and is hoping to bring a fresh approach to the club.

Injuries stopped Albury's run to the grand final last season

"It's unfortunate that we just ran out of bodies this year," Coombes said.

"The injury toll affected us as we definitely had the ground work there and the potential.

"In the end it just didn't go our way."

President Mick Raynes is pleased to have Coombes on board.

A premiership-winning coach at the club himself, Raynes believes he will bring a new perspective.

"We're looking forward to seeing how he goes," Raynes said.

"It is a new set of eyes on the club and I think he will be good."

The Steamers are also starting preparations to host a Super Rugby trial on the border in January.

Melbourne Rebels and ACT Brumbies will face off in a trial on January 23.

It will be their last trial ahead of the season.

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