Parker, a firefighter with Fire and Rescue NSW, spoke of his time playing football over the years which included a stint Sawtell.

That sparked the interest of Wilson - who is a police officer and coach of the Werris Creek reserve grade side.

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Turns out, during Parker's time with Sawtell he played with a handful of players from West Wyalong - the Riverina town where Wilson grew up.

They chin-wagged about the people they knew and from there, Parker decided to strap on the boots after eight years away from the game.

It also helped Parker was "quite fit" at the time thanks to his training for the Firies Climb for MND stair climb in Sydney.

That training also strengthened his knee after having an ACL reconstruction during his time away from football.

With fitness on his side, the now 40-year-old became Werris Creek's Mr Fix It.

He played "everywhere apart from fullback and prop" for the Magpies and will add another position to his long list in 2021 when he co-coaches the reserve grade side alongside Wilson.

Parker, who's lived in Quirindi with his wife and four boys for the past nine years, wanted to pass on all the things he's learnt from his time in the game.

"I've played under a lot of different coaches and I thought I could offer something [to the club]," Parker said.

Along with Sawtell, Parker has played rugby league for the likes of Junee and also the Armidale Galloping Greens where he served as president the year they amalgamated with YCW.

Born in Manilla, Parker has also had stints living in Coonabarabran and Muswellbrook but is settled in Quirindi now, much to the delight of Wilson who said Parker coaching in the 2021 season could only be a good thing for the club.

"Garth has got a lot of knowledge behind him from a variety of clubs and it's hard to go past his enthusiasm, Wilson said.

"We are really looking forward to 2021 and working with Code [Cody Tickle] and Browny [Tom Brown]. We want to get the one club mentality back which will also be greatly assisted by having under 18s."

Likewise, Parker was keen to give back to his new club.

"They are just a warm club with a good bunch of fellas. They all really made me feel welcome," he said.

The Magpies are set to kick off their pre-season on November 23. All are welcome to attend the light session starting at 6.30pm.

The club will also hold a "meet the coaches" function and barefoot bowls event on Saturday, December 5 at their major sponsor, the Werris Creek Bowling and Tennis Club.