Nambucca Roosters announce their coaching lineup for 2020, their centenary year

Rod Hardy has been tapped on the shoulder to take on the role of head coach for the 2020 season. Dean Buchanan has got the nod for the Reserves, and Craig Jarrett will be returning to coaching after an eight year hiatus to take on the Under 18s. The club committee is still in discussion about who will lead the ladies.

Each of the coaches has been carefully selected for their expertise, experience, and their pulling power - a vital element if the club wishes to attract its flock back to fly for the red, white and blue.

All three are excited about their chance to be a part of the club's revival, especially in such an auspicious year.

But each has stressed their intentions to follow this commitment through; they're here for the long haul, not short-term glory.

The Roosters committee, led by Kelvin Jarrett, is now working hard behind the scenes to ensure their reentry into the Group 2 competition; they're crossing all Ts and dotting all Is in an effort to demonstrate their solvency.

"We've got to prove that we're the real deal. And we're taking the challenge very seriously," Kelvin said.

Rod's career has now come full circle; his first coaching job was with the junior Roosters about 15 years ago.

Since then he's made a name for himself by advancing into the Group 2 representative system, then the CRL academy, and finally coaching the East Coast Dolphins.

In all his years as coach, he's only ever missed one semifinal series.

In 2016 he led the undefeated Sawtell Under 18s to their premiership title win. The following year he took on the Panthers' Reserves who earned their spot in the grand final. And in 2017, the First Grade team pushed through to the semifinal against South Grafton.

Rod said he's definitely got a competitive streak, but ultimately he sees himself as an educator.

"Being head coach you've got to lead the way. Everyone has to be pointing in the same direction," he said.

"And to do that you've got to believe in what you do, and there needs to be transparency. If players don't believe in you and what you're teaching, they won't buy into it."

He carries around with him a secret black folder which contains new plays and research on other teams.

"There's a lot of homework involved in this position - watching games, thinking of new game scenarios, and ways I can question the opposition. I've got to find the weaknesses and relay it to the other coaches and players.

"You've always got to find the doorway as a coach, because sometimes players can't see it on the field."

He believes the Roosters have what it takes to come back strong. And plans to stick around to see the club flourish well into its future.

"The past is the past - we've got to leave it behind us. I think we can build - we've already got quite a few on board, and the players we could entice back who played for other clubs, or who sat out this season, if we could encourage them, we'd be alright.

"I mean, we've got the best field in the district here.

Dean Buchanan grew up watching his Dad and uncle play for the Roosters.

"So it's a big part of who I am," he said.

"I feel comfortable here, and I think I'll be here for the next few years at least."

He was a part of the Roosters' 2012 grand finalist First Grade side who took out the minor premiership.

And he's keen to be a part of the club's rebuilding phase.

"We're looking to the future, and I want to be here to help," he said.

"I think it's going to be massive!"

He said he's already had quite a few local boys express interest in putting on the Roosters jersey if he put his hat in the ring for coach.

"I've had players approach me, even ex-players, who said if I got the job they'd follow me back," he said.

He's hoping his years of experience, knowledge and passion for the game will rub off.

"And I'm keen to start building a good relationship with each of the players," he said.

He'll be joined by his Dad, Dean Buchanan Senior, and Mal Edwards, as assistant coaches.

Craig Jarrett lives and breathes rugby league.

And he's been a Rooster since the age of seven: "Footy's been in my blood my entire life."

He's also no stranger to grand finals; he won his first premiership at Coronation Park in the Valley's Under 16s team, and was a grand finalist in the Roosters Under 18s side the following year.

He was called up to play in First Grade the next year, while he was still in high school. And at 18 he was chosen to play for the Cronulla Under 20s.

"I had to grow up pretty quick and learn from a lot of experienced footballers."

In 2011 he put his hand up for a shot at coaching the Reserve Grade side.

"We came from fifth spot and won the grand final against Woolgoolga," he said - a feat that was replicated last year by his sister, Caryl.

"It was good to watch her excel, and an honour to be asked to help her at the tail end of the season."

After a few years behind the scenes, he's raring to go as Under 18s coach.

"This year has been the hardest year of my life because there wasn't a competition. I didn't know what to do with myself," he said.

"So I'm pretty excited to get back into it and to share my experience with these young up-and-comers."

Craig, too, has heard word that there's more than a few fellas willing to sign up to play for the Roosters with him on board.

And he's buoyed by the groundswell around the club.

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