GARY Bridge is determined to carry on the work started this year by Paul Northam when he returns to coaching Taree City in the 2016 Group Three Rugby League premiership.
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"The vibe around the club and the players numbers are the best they've been for years - probably since the halycon days of 2007,'' Bridge said.
"Paul Northam did a great job but work commitments will stop him from coaching next year. I was happy to do it when I was approached by the committee.''
Bridge last coached Taree's first grade in 2005 when he steered the side to the grand final. However, the years since 2007 - when the Bulls won the Group Three triple crown by taking out the first, reserve and under 18 premierships - have been lean.
Taree made the final in 2012 but were second last in 2013, last in 2014 and second last this year, avoiding the wooden spoon on a points differential.
But despite this Bridge is convinced there's potential in the club, pointing out the Bulls are still a young side.
"I'm confident we'll retain most of this year's players and I'm on the lookout for a couple more,'' he said.
An experienced forward, preferably a front rower, would be a godsend.
"Look at the way (forwards) Will Clarke, Josh Northam and Matt Toupe improved this year. They'd be sensational with an experienced player to show them around the field,'' he said.
"There are some good kids coming out of under 18s - Dean Mills, Brodie Howard and Blake Turner who will be right for senior football next year.''
Bridge added that if NSW under 16 captain, second rower Matt Croker is still at the club next year he'll come right into contention for a spot in first grade. Croker will play SG Ball (under 18s) for Newcastle af the start of next season. However, Bridge believes the Knights will try and keep him in their under 20s squad once the SC Ball commitment is over.
Bridge's son, Todd, won't be a starter in 2016. He injured his knee in the second round clash against Wingham and has to undergo reconstruction surgery for the third time. He's unlikely to play again.
"We're looking around for either a half or a five-eighth,'' Bridge said.
Bridge hopes to start training one afternoon a week in November.
He'll determine the pre-season program for next year when he knows how many teams will be involved in the 2016 competition. This will be determined at the group's annual meeting in November.
Bridge said he's looking forward to coaching again.
"I haven't coached for a couple of years - Country under 16s was the last team I coached,'' he said.
He said the club has a strong coaching staff, with Shaun Burns again in charge of the reserve grade while newcomers Mick Wesley and his assistant Jason Harard will take the reins of the under 18s. Darren Rowsell will coach the club's premiership winning women's league tag combination.
