It's a situation Cessnock hasn't found themselves in since Todd Edwards' previous stint in charge of the Goannas ended six years ago.
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Edwards agreed this week to coach at Cessnock again in 2020, marking his seventh Newcastle Rugby League season running the Goannas' first grade team, and he says the decision provides the Coalfields club with some much-needed stability.
"It gives us some stability," Edwards told the Newcastle Herald.
"It's the first time since 2013 we've had the same coach two years in a row. They've all been one year coaches.
"There's been so much inconsistency. We need to try and get some consistency back in the joint."
Edwards had five campaigns at Cessnock between 2008 and 2013, missing only 2011 at the Knights, before returning in 2019.
Steve Kidd (2014, 2017), Craig Miller (2015), Daniel Smailes (2016) and Alan Lantry (2018) all had solo seasons at the Goannas between Edwards.
But with a call already made for next year, the fourth-placed Cessnock squad can now focus on securing a finals berth.
"It's the biggest challenge in our competition," he said.
"But we've got nothing to lose and everything to gain."
Cessnock came from 18 points down to claim a 30-all draw with Central on Sunday.
Jye Ireland debuted in the halves on the weekend, scoring the opening try and kicking all five conversion attempts, and is expected to retain his position for round 13.
