SCONE Thoroughbreds president Tom Hagan is labelling Adam Clydsdale's appointment as captain-coach as a massive coup for the club.
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The former NRL star, who enjoyed stints with the Newcastle Knights, Canberra Raiders and Cronulla Sharks, played a pivotal role in the Bengalla Hunter Valley Group 21 Rugby League outfit's premiership defence this season.
And, Hagan's ecstatic the talented hooker's sticking around in 2020, too.
"I reckon Adam's signing is one of the top three in the Thoroughbreds' history," he said.
"It follows in the footsteps of Don 'Bandy' Adams and the Cleal brothers, Les and Noel.
"We're getting Adam at the peak of his powers, too.
"He's only 26, with 60-odd National Rugby League matches under his belt.
"I firmly believe he should still be in the NRL.
"Best of all, he's a local junior who's returned home."
Clydsdale will take over from successful mentor Aaron Watts, who guided Scone to consecutive titles in 2018 and 2019.
"We all witnessed Adam's leadership qualities on the field this year," Hagan said.
"So, the club felt it was a great opportunity to have him on board to direct the side in the Thoroughbreds' 100th season.
"It's good for the kids in town as well.
"He started at Scone, was picked up by the Knights - and followed his dream.
"Adam's indicated there'll be a big focus on local players and he'll carry on the development of the youngsters within the club.
"He's also keen to continue the work Aaron's done in building a strong relationship with our colleagues in the junior league."
In the reserve grade ranks, Jake Bailey interchanges with Jade Smith while the under-18 and league tag mentors are yet to be named.
"Jake is one of the few players to have won a premiership with the Thoroughbreds in 18s, reggies and firsts," Hagan said.
"A NSW Country under-16 rep, he's extremely popular in the club.
"He truly wears his heart on his sleeve.
"The committee is excited to have both Adam and Jake on board for next season.
"I had the good fortune of coaching these two, along with a host of current Thoroughbreds in their junior careers.
"It's a proud moment to have two Scone youngsters come through the grades to oversee firsts and reserves.
"They're replacing Aaron and Jade who are both Thoroughbred juniors and, for the past two years, have done a tremendous job."
