Tully MacPherson to coach the Albury-Wodonga Steamers women's team

MacPherson, who played rugby league and rugby union for a number of clubs in Sydney, moved to the region 12 months ago after landing a job at Corowa High School.

He played first and second grade for the Steamers this year before a broken thumb, which required a number of pins, ruled him out for the second half of the season.

MacPherson's partner, Alice White, plays for the women's side and he assisted coach Elyse Burns before agreeing to take on the main role himself for 2022.

"I am a bit nervous," he admitted.

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"I've never coached a team before so it's definitely something new to me but I've played a lot of rugby and I've been around a lot, so I'm sure it's just something I'll take in my stride.

"Taking over from Elyse, she did an excellent job with them last year and I don't want to take away from that.

"There's a strong foundation there to build on.

"I've spoken to a lot of the girls and I'm pretty certain most of them are going to come back.

"Kirra Burke is moving up to Brisbane but that's rugby, you're always going to lose a couple. Hopefully we can gain a couple as well.

"There should be a pretty strong foundation to continue to improve on and hopefully go a little bit better next season."

MacPherson certainly brings with him a wealth of experience and a range of perspectives from Sydney.

"I grew up playing rugby league for the Windsor Wolves and played a little bit of junior reps with the Penrith Panthers and Harold Matts for Western Sydney Academy of Sport," MacPherson said.

"At 15 or 16, I tore my ACL and decided to have a bit of fun footy with my mates, so I switched to rugby union and never looked back.

"I started with Hawkesbury Valley in Sydney and then played colts with Eastwood in the Shute Shield comp, played a few years of Subbies rugby with Hawkesbury Ag College and then a couple of years with Western Sydney Two Blues."

The Steamers begin pre-season in February.

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