Having played alongside household names such as Braith Anasta and Adam Kambouris for Greece, current Valleys coach Nathan Hughes has ticked a lot of boxes as both coach and player.
With his Diehards squad currently sitting in second spot on the In Safe Hands Rugby League Brisbane A Grade competition, Hughes was also instrumental in signing former Wests Tigers and Queensland State of Origin star Scott Prince to the club.
“I liked what I saw at Valleys and thought I’d throw my hat in the ring to have a shot at coaching the BRL A Grade side," Hughes said.
"President Danny Walker is as passionate as any bloke I know and the supporters at the Diehards are fanatical... it seemed like a perfect fit for me.
"I am also indebted to the behind the behind the scenes staff such as team manager Blake Marshall who works tirelessly for the side."
Hughes is no stranger himself to the Rugby League Brisbane competition, having played for both Pine Rivers Bears and Deception Bay, with the Greek international also having a stint in the FOGS Cup for the Sunshine Coast Falcons.
“At the start of the season I wasn’t sure what players I’d be getting with the feeder club arrangement with Norths Devils, but with the Intrust Super Cup cancelled, I’ve got a little more breathing space to utilise players," Hughes said.
"It’s a great feeling knowing we have that sister agreement with the Devils as we’ve picked up blokes like PNG international Nixon Putt and David Fauid to bolster our squad.”
Hughes' tenure as coach also comes with some handy credentials.
Having taken both the Brighton Roosters and Beerwah Bulldogs to grand finals over the past four seasons, Hughes will be hunting more success in 2020.
“Because of the shortened season, every game is vital," Hughes said.
"You just can’t let the guard down in A Grade or you'll get punished.
"We’ve got some great players in our side that are proving they can withstand the weekly grind and if we stay injury-free, I believe we’ll be a great chance at finals football.”
Hughes has also been instrumental in bringing to the club Scott Prince, who since his arrival, has lifted the team’s performance dramatically.
Scott Prince returns to the footy field
“Signing Princey was a masterstroke for the club. When I knew we had nabbed Scotty for the 2020 season I just knew he would bring so much to the club," Hughes said.
"Not only has he been a shining light in our A Grade side, he’s been instrumental with helping out our juniors as well.”
The Diehards task of taming an unpredictable Bulimba Bulldogs side this weekend, will prove to be an interesting match up to say the least.
Valleys coming off a 36-10 win against Carina last weekend and Bulimba suffering a heavy 42-6 loss vs Brighton Roosters, both sides are capable of anything on their day.
The Diehards have a huge weekend installed with all three Valley’s senior teams playing at home starting with the Intech Open 2 Men’s side at 12pm, who take on Brighton Roosters.
