The Magpies announced that local junior Harley Hey would take over as head coach from Matt Wakefield, who spent one year in the role.

After knowing for quite some time the position was up for grabs, the 25-year-old threw his hat in the ring after having a long, hard think about it.

“I’m still trying to wrap my head around it,” Hey said.

“I’ve always wanted to coach but I didn't think it’d be this soon. I thought I’d play a few more years first.”

The Magpies junior is no stranger to the administrative side of things having been most recently a vice-president of the club.

That experience gives Hey the knowledge on how the club can succeed in the future. The back believes unity is the key for 2017.

“We’re starting to try and look for new pathways to lead our 18s into first grade and trying to integrate ressies into first grade to get everyone working together as the one club,” Hey said.

“Trying to get ressies involved and wanting to play first grade has probably been a problem in the past.”

Hey said he would be working closely alongside newly appointed reserve grade coach Larry Mijok to ensure everything runs smoothly.

“Instead of running two sides, we’ll be running as one squad every week,” Hey said.

“We’ll play and then go back to that one squad and select a first grade side from that.

“I’m hoping all the blokes want to play first grade and if someone’s pushing for their spot, hopefully they'll hook in.”

Along with the signing Hey, the Magpies have also re-signed Luke Serevi, Ben Taylor and Junior Koroi.

On top of that, the club has locked in the services of Terrence Green – who has played in the NSW Cup – to play as well as coach the under 16s side.

Ron Cowdrey will coach the under 18s side and a league tag coach is yet to be announced.

It’s not all good news for Hay, though, as the club has lost Simon Brittain.