Two-time Weissel Medal winner James Smart looks to have played his last game for Gundagai.
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The 31-year-old will make the surprise switch to coach Kangaroos next season after playing for Gundagai for most of his decorated career.
Smart had two three-year stints as captain-coach of the Tigers, taking his hometown club to the grand final on five occasions, including in their premiership success in 2018.
He was also part of their grand final win over Tumut last season.
However Smart, who lives and works in Wagga, has made the tough call to take on the Tigers next season.
Looking for a return to the coaching ranks, Smart believes Kangaroos is right place for the next stage of his career
"I haven't coached for a few years now and I felt as though I owed it to myself to have another crack," Smart said.
"It's a job that I really enjoy doing and I'm really passionate about."
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Smart only lasted 20 minutes in his first game of the season with scans revealing he's fractured his right fibula.
It is not the way he wanted his career at Gundagai to end, but believes there are plenty more benefits to a non-playing coaching role
"I think physically my body would prefer me to coach than to play," he said.
"I've always felt I was a better coach when I wasn't playing as you can sit back and take more notice of what is happening around you."
It means Kangaroos will have had five coaches in five seasons.
After Ben Jeffery finished the second of his two seasons at the helm in 2018, Glenn Dumbrell, Hayden Ashcroft and now Simon Woolford have all had just had one-year stints.
Kangaroos haven't played finals football since 2017 and are currently one point adrift of the top five.
Kangaroos president Peter Hurst is thrilled to have Smart on board.
"We believe he will be a great fit for the club going forward," Hurst said.
"He's got a wealth of knowledge and experience, specifically localised to Group Nine and he's a perfectionist and someone who will fully commit to the role."
It just so happens that Kangaroos tackle Gundagai at Anzac Park on Saturday.