Damien Cummins says he wants to remain Manly Marlins coach in 2017

INCUMBENT Manly Marlins coach Damien Cummins says he wants to retain the job next year with the appointment expected this week.

Damien Cumnins watches the Manly Marlins play at Manly Oval. Picture: Karen Watson.

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INCUMBENT Manly Marlins coach Damien Cummins says he wants to retain the job next year with the much anticipated appointment expected to be announced this week.

The Manly Daily revealed on Saturday that Billy Melrose, Darren Coleman and Jeremy Paul were also in contention for the role.

Cummins, who was interviewed by the selection panel of David Begg, Anthony Bergelin and Bill Calcraft on Saturday, revealed he stepped down from his role as assistant coach with the Sydney Rays for the upcoming National Rugby Championship because the workload was too great and wants to concentrate on the Manly job.

After Cummins helped guide the club to three successive minor premierships, the team missed the play-offs this season.

The Manly Marlins missed Matt Lucas.in 2016..

“I want to keep coaching 100 per cent,” Cummins said.

The Marlins stalwart said he has learnt more through the difficulties of this season that he can take forward than he did the year before when the team made the grand final in 2015.

“I am more prepared now for next season because of what happened this year,” Cummins said.

While not looking for excuses, he pointed out Manly had 17 players as well as staff involved in the NRC last year who meant by November they had been going for 12 months straight.

“We were physically and mentally fatigued,” Cummins said.

On top of that, the Marlins lost the likes of Dave Porecki, Ed Gower, Matt Lucas, Reece Hodge and Alex Northam.