That’s the call from the Werris Creek Magpies Rugby League Football Club as it ponders life without stalwart coach Ron Dellar.

For more than 20 years, Dellar has coached the Magpies, through good times and bad, through Group 4 first and second division highlights to not so memorable losing days.

But Dellar has elected to stand down for former Cronulla and NSW Country centre-winger Bowne.

“He’s still going to help out,” Bowne said.

“It’s a bit of a changing of the guard.

“As he said to me, ‘you get on well with the boys. I’ll step down and you can take over’.”

That was it.

No fuss, no drama, typical Dellar.

Always generous in his praise of those who deserved it but never bagged anyone who may have deserved it.

He engendered a fierce loyalty in his players and was at the helm of some wonderful Magpie sides who dominated Group 4 in the early to mid- 1990s.

Men such as Stewart and Richie Porter, Peter Rodden, the late Daniel and his immensely talented brother Cory Wilson, Greg and Eric Allan, Richie and Shane Allan, Jason Holland, Craig Betts and Shane O’Donoghue and of  grand final successes at Gunnedah, Wee Waa and Werris Creek.

Two years ago the Magpies won the Group 4 Second Division grand final in their 100th year, a remarkable effort for a small town.

They also have a Clayton Cup (1996) to showcase at their home base, the Commercial Hotel.

“Ronnie’s been a big part of it all,”  Bowne said.

“It’s great he’s given me the opportunity and will still be there to help.”

Bowne is also excited about next season with the promise of a few players returning.

“Beau Parry’s coming back to play for us,” Bowne said.

“He was down at the Knights and playing with Lakes in the Newcastle comp. He’s going to be great.

“We’re also talking to a few others but nothing’s been confirmed yet.

“A few of the boys are training already too. 

“Cody Tickle and a few of the boys are doing a bit.

“We won’t be starting officially until late January but it’s good to see a few of them are keen.”

Bowne said the recent presentation night drew a good crowd to honour all the award winners and  Dellar.

Thomas Brown was named the Player of the Year as well as receiving the  Best and Fairest.

He was unbelievable for us this year, a real standout,”  Bowne added.

“He just never stopped. One game he’d done his ankle, couldn’t stand up. 

“I was doing the water and ran out to him. 

“But he got up and stood in the line while they were attacking so they couldn’t score. 

“That was what he was like all year, never gave up.”

Zac Darcy won the Rookie of the Year and Daniel Wilson Players’ Player.

Mikhaela Darcy won the  League Tag MVP Award and Cody Tickle won the President’s Award from Darby Sherlock.

The Werris Creek Minor League Football will hold its annual presentation day at the Werris Creek Pool from 2pm tomorrow.