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When Nahuel Arrarte paces the South Coast technical area for the first time on Sunday, opposition players may need to do a double take to make sure the new Wolves coach isn't coming on as a second-half substitute.
When Nahuel Arrarte paces the South Coast technical area for the first time on Sunday, opposition players may need to do a double take to make sure the new Wolves coach isn't coming on as a second-half substitute.
Such is the swiftness of his transition from Premier League hard man to top-grade boss.
After hanging up the boots on his illustrious career with the Marconi Stallions at the end of last season, the 33-year-old has been thrust into a lead mentoring role quicker than he could have ever imagined.
But when Wolves management put in a call earlier this week, it proved a time as good as any to begin the second phase of his career.
"It was an opportunity I couldn't let go," Arrarte said.
"It has been presented to me and obviously just starting out in my career I thought it would be something that I have always wanted to do.
"It has come sooner rather than later but I am really looking forward to the challenge."
At first glance, "challenge" may well be an understatement.
After finalising his commitments as technical director of coaching at State League club Southern Bulls, Arrarte has inherited a squad which sits bottom of the NSW NPL after six rounds, with just one competition point.
But with 16 games remaining in the 2014 season, the former Wolves midfielder believes there is ample time for him to prove he is up for the battle.
"For me it is obviously a good test, a challenge and an opportunity for the club to see what I am about," Arrarte said.
"Moving forward from there, I don't want to get too far ahead of myself because I think there is a job to do straight away and things will eventuate later on if they fall in place.
"At the end of the day, it is about results."
With top grade relegation on the line, results couldn't be more important for a club which remains a beacon for the region's elite talent.
While the days of National League glory are long gone, the Wolves still maintain a vital link for Illawarra footballers which relegation could threaten.
Arrarte hopes to ensure this doesn't happen.
"We represent the region and there is a lot of youngsters in the region who I guess look up to the boys here," Arrarte said.
"It is an opportunity to showcase the talent and predominantly a lot of the boys are locals, and I think it is vital that the Wolves are successful year in, year out.
"It is a lot of hard work but that is why I am here to hopefully get that going."