Steve Dimitrievski resigned from the position on Tuesday night. The team will travel to Elizabeth Park to face Bellambi in the IPL season opener on Saturday.

Dimitrievski had one season at the helm after taking over the reins from Noel Spencer. Port Kembla recorded nine wins in 2019, finishing in seventh position.

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Dimitrievski told the Mercury it was a "very tough decision for me" but there had been a lot of "extreme uncertainty" due to the pandemic.

"I required a little bit more certainty around next year as I've been planning, preparing and committing to the club twice per week with training sessions and whatnot, and building my squad for next year," he said.

"We've only got 11 rounds this year. Obviously the club couldn't commit to me further than this year. That's well within their rights and there's no hard feelings there. I just assume they're maybe going in a new direction. I've addressed the playing group and I've resigned effective immediately. There's definitely no hard feelings or ill will from me. I will be a keen spectator and Port Kembla Football Club supporter against Bellambi in round one. I'll be there cheering the boys on.

"It was fantastic [last year] with a very young squad. I'm proud of my achievements. Semi finals in the Bampton Cup last year and we developed a lot of young players. Looking back last year, there were a lot of injuries concerns. We probably just missed out on the semis with a little bit of inexperience. But having that, the boys will be fantastic this season."

"I want to thank Port Kembla Football Club for the opportunity. I've met some great people there so I wish them and the boys nothing but the best going forward. It's been a great experience."

Port Kembla club president Emilio Salucci didn't return the Mercury's calls.