RUGBY LEAGUE
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It's been a horror year on the field but Collegians have found a silver lining in landing the signature of 2014 premiership-winning coach Nathan Fien for the 2016 season.
After calling time on his 276-game NRL career in 2013, Fien enjoyed a hugely successful 2014 season with Thirroul culminating in a grand final victory.
He's spent this season focusing on his commentary career with Fox Sports but said the opportunity to pursue his long-held coaching aspirations with one of the best resourced clubs in country rugby league was too good to pass up.
"I've still got aspirations to be coaching at the highest possible level," Fien said.
"The year out allowed me to go and do some other things in the media and with the family and I really enjoyed it but I've just got that deep burning desire that keeps pulling me back. We've all seen what Mary's [Paul McGregor] done from coming back and having a stint in the Coal League so it's a good opportunity.
"I did it last year with Thirroul and really enjoyed it and this presents a whole new chapter and a whole new stepping stone and I'm really excited."
Traditionally a Coal League powerhouse, the Dogs have gone two years without finals football and finished the 2015 season at the bottom of the ladder on the back of a horrendous injury toll that saw them win just three of 15 games.
Despite the tough run in top grade, the Dogs were minor premiers in reserve grade and colts.
And Fien is confident he can restore the club's fortunes quickly.
"It is a bit of a rebuilding phase and that excites me because you get to build a team from scratch," Fien said.
"They've obviously been impacted substantially by injuries this year ... but there's some really good young talent coming through the juniors.
"You get to leave your mark on some up and coming talent.
"That's the way I did things at Thirroul and it's the way I've approached things throughout my professional career - everyone's on board and you develop as a team and as a group.
"I've been blessed to have been influenced by some of the more successful coaches of our time in Wayne Bennett, Tim Sheens, Stephen Kearney and the late Graham Murray ... I'm looking forward to having an impact on the players at Collies."
Collies committeeman Bruce Prior said Fien is the perfect fit for a club looking to return the premiership contention.