His NRL career might not yet be over but the coaching bug has already bitten outgoing St George Illawarra premiership winner Nathan Fien.
The former New Zealand international on Thursday announced he would draw the curtain on his 14-year career at season’s end.
But the 34-year-old Mount Isa product does not look like walking away from rugby league any time soon.
While he has started a finance business in Wollongong, Fien said he would take up a coaching role for the Thirroul Butchers in the Illawarra local competition next year.
“It (senior coaching) is something I would like to step into down the track but you have to serve your apprenticeship,” Fien said.
Fien made his debut with North Queensland in 2000 before moving to the Warriors in 2005 and the Dragons in 2009 where he won a premiership the next year.
His final match will be the round-26 match against the Warriors at WIN Stadium, with the joint venture out of finals contention.
“All good things come to an end,” he said.
“You strive during your career to try and win a premiership or just play in a grand final for that matter – we were lucky enough to do that in 2010.
“I have fantastic memories of that year.
“I had broken my leg in the first round, then to come full circle and be standing there with my Dragons teammates holding up the trophy is something I will remember forever.”
Fien played one State of Origin game for Queensland in 2001 but switched allegiances and ran out for New Zealand during the 2006 Tri Nations despite being ineligible to do so.
Fien legitimately qualified to play for the Kiwis in 2007 through residency rules.
“I really felt at home wearing the Kiwi jersey,” he said.
“You hear a lot of Kiwis talking about that special brotherhood – it’s hard to explain but there’s just something about it.
“Luckily enough, we did really well in the time that I was there, winning the 2008 World Cup and 2010 Four Nations.
“The people you go to war with, they are lifelong friends now.”