Vunibaka has been named Seru Rogo's replacement.

Vunibaka is no stranger to coaching success with the Phantons after leading the club to its drought-breaking premiership in 2017.

Leeton went through the season undefeated and the former Canterbury Crusaders winger coached the side again in 2018.

He stepped down for Rogo to come back into the role last season but is back for his second stint.

New Leeton president John Hill is confident he is the right man for the job.

"Marika obviously has a lot of experience and attracts a lot of the quality Fijian players we have running around at the moment," Hill said.

"He helps support them.

"We are also talking to a number of other people, be it ex players or new players to try and bolster the overall numbers."

Vunibaka's last season in charge of the Phantoms was marred by suspension for his role in a dispute on the sidelines.

He was barred for three weeks after fronting a code of conduct hearing after it was alleged be punched a Tumut player and official.

He then missed a large block later in the season due to work commitments.

Hill doesn't expect too many losses from last year's team and the club is working on building back up in 2020.

Leeton didn't field a second grade side for the majority of last season however they are working on building their numbers back.

"We are pushing to have two men's and a women's team next year," Hill said.

"The Dianas numbers are very strong again and we've got a number of under 16s coming up to play seniors in 2020.

"From a club's perspective it is exciting that we have that injection of youth coming through.

"Albeit it young and inexperienced they are keen to play seniors."

There are also discussions Deniliquin will play as their second grade side allowing the Phantoms to have a third grade side along with their first grade and women's teams.

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