The NRL flavour within the Canberra Raiders Cup ranks will be boosted further next year with Lincoln Withers and David Howell set to start a joint player-coach role at Gungahlin Bulls.
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The pair played most of their NRL matches with the Raiders, before finishing their careers in the English Super League.
The former Raiders stars played their first season with the Bulls this year but will step up their involvement by taking over from Michael Slater in the coaches box.
Withers developed the coaching itch by mentoring Gungahlin's young halves when he was recovering from off-season shoulder surgery.
"Most of the year I spent helping out and teaching a few of the kids," Withers said. "I probably didn't realise how much I enjoy the coaching stuff until I had that time with them. That probably played a big part in wanting to take the job on.
"I didn't think I would [go into coaching] when I was playing, but after last year and having the young guys take on what I had to say, it's really good.
"I've been in the game all my life; it's natural to want to give a bit back."
Withers and Howell will join Aaron Gorrell (Queanbeyan Kangaroos), Simon Woolford (Queanbeyan Blues) and Mick Picker (Goulburn) as coaches in the local competition with NRL experience.
Raiders games record holder Jason Croker will be Withers and Howell's assistant as the Bulls plot a return to the finals after finishing fifth this year.
Withers said the strong contingent of NRL players getting involved in the grassroots is healthy for the game.
"We all know each other and have a laugh. It's good to see some of the former NRL boys put back into the local footy," he said.
Elsewhere, Ashley Barnes will take over from Cameron Hardy at Woden Valley as the Rams look to end a five-year finals drought.
The last time Woden Valley made the top four, in 2009, present Manly NRL forward Brenton Lawrence was player-coach.
An NRL development officer based in Canberra, Barnes has been Hardy's assistant for four years and is confident the club has the youth to take the next step.
"We've got a good young squad. I see a fair bit of potential which will hopefully do well and be competitive at least," Barnes said.
"Our good core group of 20-something-year-olds, that's where I'll be looking at trying to get improvement.
"You never go into any season wanting anything less [than finals]. Hopefully we can convert some of those close losses we had this year into wins."
