IN HIS first stint at Shellharbour, Abed Atallah admits he was reluctant about any future as a coach.
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Now he returns, after playing in the Illawarra Coal League with Wests, facing the task of moving the Sharks past their grand final heartbreak.
Atallah was given a gentle push into the mentoring ranks by then Shellharbour and premiership-winning Helensburgh coach Ryan Powell.
He’s since served under former NRL and State of Origin prop Jason Ryles at Wests, before making the progression into the top job in Group Seven.
“I feel like I’ve served a decent apprenticeship,” he said.
“It’s been great working with Powelly and Rylesy. I was a bit hesitant about the idea of coaching when Powelly asked me to take on the reserve grade job, but looking back I’m glad he did.”
When Atallah walked back into Ron Costello Oval, there was little issue with motivating the players.
Atallah admits the Sharks are still hurting after the thrilling 28-24 grand final loss to Gerringong last year.
"It’s funny, I could easily have come back here taking over the defending premiers,” he said.
“They all know how close they were, it still hurts them, but it’s a new season, a new challenge. We’ve got plenty of new faces this year as well, so we’re all motivated and ready to go.”
Atallah is wary of Shellharbour being ambushed the moment they step on to Cec Glenholmes Oval – Monkey Park – on Sunday.
Arch-rivals Warilla have been boosted in the off-season by the return of Mark Walsh, Aaron Henry and Josh Kent, instantly making them a finals contender.
However, the Sharks bring their own heavy artillery, including former Canterbury under 20s player James Ralphs.
“It’s Warilla, we’re expecting a bash-a-thon from the start,” Atallah said.
“With the local rivalry, you know it’s going to be tough and physical and we have to be up for it.
“But we also know we need to focus on the simple things, like completing our sets and getting into the game.”
While Shellharbour’s ultimate goal is taking the final stride on grand final day, Atallah believes it could be the most competitive Group Seven season in recent memory.
Warilla, Kiama and Nowra-Bomaderry all loom as threats to premiers Gerringong.
“From what I saw of Kiama last year, they’re the best defensive team in the comp,” Atallah said.
“You know Gerringong will be there and Warilla have a few players back, so they’ll be hard to beat.”
