The Group Nine premiers have appointed the Bristow brothers as co-coaches for their title defence.

Dean Bristow led Tumut to grand final glory this year alongside Adam Pearce but will have a new partner at the top in 2020.

Two years ago, Lachlan Bristow never thought he would play again but suddenly finds himself leading his junior club.

"I'm pretty keen actually," Lachlan said.

"It's something I've never done before. It should be a good experience and a good life experience as well.

"I'll have Dean with me, obviously he's done it before and that will make it a lot easier.

"It's my junior club, I want to give back to them as much as possible and give some direction to the guys coming through."

The 26-year-old retired two years ago with back issues bringing a premature end to his time in the game.

A trip to America, where he linked with the Jacksonville Axeman, got him back playing and led to a return to Tumut, where he scored three tries and won the John Hill Medal in Tumut's grand final win.

"I didn't think I'd play rugby league again, to be honest," Lachlan said.

"Two years ago I was retired. I got back into it in America and found my way back to here."

Like Pearce, Dean Bristow had planned to step down from the coaching position but was talked around.

"To be honest, I was ready to step away," Dean said.

"Lachlan was half interested but I don't think he was too keen to take on the job himself. With how things were shaping up to be next year, I decided to put my hand up for another 12 months and hopefully we can put a succession plan in place and hand it over with a plan in place."

One thing that the 30-year-old is keen to do is coach alongside his younger brother.

"Obviously in the first place I wasn't keen but when I weighed things up, I knew I wouldn't ever get this chance again," Dean said.

"That was one of the driving factors for doing it for another 12 months."

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