Group 20 rugby league
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THE WARATAHS Tigers' search for a first-grade coach is finally over.
President Ken Wells has confirmed the role will be shared this season by club stalwarts Danny Graham and Viliami Ngu, replacing the departed Enoch Tia.
The importance of being steered by a pair of former Waratahs juniors in the club's 50th anniversary year is not lost on Wells, who is "desperate" to see the 10-time premiers return to glory in 2013.
He believes Graham and Ngu are just the tonic to help the club reach its goal.
"We've got the right coaches now, so it's time we got the club back to the old days where everyone plays for each other," he said.
"It's a big year for us and it's important we made the right decision. It took a bit of time but we're very pleased with the outcome.
"We did have a look out of town, but in the long run we thought we were better off signing the local guys and attracting the local talent back.
"These are guys who've come through the ranks and are very well respected in the group. Danny started when he was 15 and Viliami when he was 16 or 17, so they know exactly what the club is about."
Graham and Ngu's joint appointment carries great symbolism as the Waratahs prepare to celebrate the club's 50th anniversary on the June long weekend.
A reunion dinner is planned on June 8, the day before the 'Tahs take on crosstown rivals the Black and Whites at home.
"We're expecting a lot of people to come back for that weekend," Wells said.
"We're concentrating on going back to being a family club this year, with barbecues after games and training sessions and lots of young kids coming through.
"The juniors are the future of the club, basically. If we didnt have the 16s and 18s I wouldn't be here. That's what you do it for."
After just three wins and a disappointing seventh-place finish last season, Wells is confident the club can jump back into finals in 2013 injuries permitting.
"If we're injury free I've got no doubt we'll make the finals," he said.
"If everything gels and we get the players we want, you start in the top five then work your way up. Then anything can happen."