Diesels president Lloyd Nicoll said it was a great move forward to be able to make the announcement.

Nicoll said the players were keen to get going and was confident the Diesels could make a good run at the premiership for 2012.

After sifting through applications received for the first grade coaching role, Nicoll said the Diesels had the best player in the Group Nine competition leading the team.

“There’s not many players who can score more than 20 tries a season,” he said.

Nicoll said he believed working in a coaching and leadership role would only improve Willis’ skills as a player.

With some of this year’s under 18s graduating to first grade, Nicoll said the mix of veterans and youth would see Junee become a competitive side in Group Nine.

Players such as Hayden Diggins, Daniel Foley and Jackson Metcalfe would benefit from the collective experience of senior players.

“There’s a lot of potential,” Nicoll said.

Training for seniors, reserves. under 18s and 16s starts at tomorrow at Loftus Oval and begins at 6pm sharp.