Playmaker Ben Baker and the well-respected Phil Beverstock will co-coach the senior outfit in 2019, with Jim Diggins (reserves), Shane Miller (under-18s) and Albert Albury (league tag) overseeing the lower grades.

The Tigers claimed the 2017 crown but suffered a heart-breaking 10-6 loss to the Scone Thoroughbreds 12 months later on home turf, McKinnon Field.

That result is fuelling the club’s desire to make its mark again, according to Baker.

“Losing the grand final has made us hungrier, especially me,” he said.

“I showed some interest in the [coaching] role at the end of the year, so I was happy to take it on with Phil.

“I’ve always helped as a senior player, and been asked for my opinion, but never stepped up as a captain-coach.

“I’m looking forward to the challenge.

“Phil also brings another dynamic to the partnership.

“He’s even organised some extra [training] sessions in my absence, which is a big plus.

“It’s our job to get the best out of the boys now.”

Although he only joined the Tigers in 2018, Baker said the decision to stay on was an easy one.

“At the end of the day, I love the club,” he explained.

“They’ve been very welcoming, from the players to the committee, the supporters to the community.

“We have also re-signed the majority of the guys – the core group.

“And, added a few more to the pack, which is often hard to find.

“We’ll be without [former Country rep] Josh Schmiedel and [Group 21 Player of the Year] Guy Thompson, however we’ve picked up Johnnie Walker and James Standing.

“The likes of Marcus Marsh, Daniel Hoogerwerf and Liam Foran are returning, too.

“Injuries hit us hard last season, but I’m happy with the depth.

“We’ll field a strong reserve grade side again, so players will be fighting for spots.

“I’m expecting our under-18s will be very competitive as well.

“The Scanlon Shield in March is our first priority then we’ll take it week by week.

“But, everyone’s keen.

“I think it will be a close competition in 2019.

“Scone’s aiming to defend its crown, Singleton’s picked up Frank-Paul Nu’uausala and Chad Redman, a lot of Muswellbrook guys are heading to Denman, while the Rams and Greta Branxton are unknowns at this stage.”

The 2019 executive: president - Peter Fitzsimmons, senior vice-president - Daniel Hoogerwerf, junior vice-president - Robert French, secretary - Jeanette Fitzsimmons, treasurer - Fiona Wilton, patrons - Sue Milton and Darby Partridge, committee - Josh Tuckerman, Rod Partridge, Georgia Haggarty, Sam Fitzsimmons, Peter Collins