So said Kurt Lewis, 24, Wingham Rugby League Club’s captain-coach for the 2016 Group Three season.

Lewis agreed to terms last week.

“Coaching is something I’ve always wanted to do,’’ he said.

“I didn’t think I’d get the opportunity so young. Now that I have I want to make the most of it.’’

The Tigers were the first Group Three club to announce a coach for next year when the club signed Tye Ingebrightsen from Queensland club Hervey Bay mid-year. But that went south when Ingebrightsen decided to stay put. Talks started with a number of potential candidates but nothing eventuated until the club approached Lewis. He thought long and hard before agreeing to terms.

“I couldn’t sleep for three nights - it was on my mind, it was all I could think about,’’ Lewis admitted.

“I might never get the chance to coach again, so I grabbed it. Now I can’t wait.’’

The Tigers will have their first training run tomorrow at 6pm at the Wingham Sporting Complex. This will be for all grades.

Wingham were semi-finalists for the past two seasons without ever really looking a threat for the premiership. 

The Tigers haven’t won a title since 2003 and have not appeared in a grand final since 2004. Lewis concedes they’re overdue for a premiership.

“They had a young side last season and I thought they did pretty well for what they had,’’ Lewis said.

He said Mitch Collins and Shannon Ellem will be all the better after their debut seasons in first grade - Collins, a hooker was named the group rookie of the year.

“The Bridge brothers are pretty handy, there’s talent there,’’ Lewis said.

Lewis can play any position in the backline while he’s not out of place at lock.

“I’d prefer to play at six next year. That’s where I think I’ll be the best value for the team,’’ he said.

But he’s negotiable on that. Lewis said if veteran pivot Trent Green has another season with the Tigers then he can wear the number six jumper.

“I’ll go to seven,’’ he said.

“That we we can control one edge of the field each. I’ve played plenty of halfback so that won’t be a problem.’’

He will be looking to bolster Wingham’s backline resources and says he can do that with players in the Group Three area.

“I’ll be speaking to a few boys - you probably have an idea who they are,’’ he said.

Lewis has represented Group Three and North Coast for the past two years while he’s been runner up in the group player of the year twice. 

There’s no doubt the Tigers are getting a quality footballer even if he is untried as a coach.

Lewis already has a few jumpers in is cupboard.

 He had his first full year in top grade with Port City in 2011. Lewis lives at Forster and spent two years with the Hawks before heading to Old Bar in 2014. 

Last season he was back at Port City, mainly for employment opportunities. Lewis freely admits 2015 wasn’t his best.

“But next year will be,’’ he quickly added.