Zadkovich will pursue opportunities outside the Northern NSW NPL next year, and Richards, his assistant the past two seasons, has applied for the top position. Richards has been head coach at Maitland, Adamstown and Lake Macquarie.

Virgili, who steered Magic to multiple titles before Zadkovich took over in 2017, was in the running along with Charlestown's David Tanchevski, who withdrew to stay at the Blues.

The Newcastle Herald was told the club has also spoken to Cooks Hill coach Graham Law and Jim Cresnar. An announcement could come as early as Wednesday.

** Lake Macquarie coach Nick Webb will be missing when the Roosters take on the Jets Youth in a catch-up game at Macquarie Field on Wednesday night, and it's not because of a suspension.

Webb faces a suspension after he was sent off for dissent in the 3-2 loss to Maitland last Friday night but he is away regardless on holidays in Bali.

Former Roosters head coach Gary Rowe will step into the breach. He said Cameron Holzheimer (hamstring) was the only loss for Lakes.

** Valentine co-coaches Darren Sills and Sam Griffin are yet to commit to another year at the club, which welcomed in a new committee last week.

Ben Hay and Josh Carroll have returned from their overseas holiday to boost Valentine's squad as they push to avoid back-to-back wooden spoons.

** The silly season has started early with Lambton Jaffas and Weston rumoured to be close to making early gains from Hamilton for next year.

Scott Pettit has been linked with a move to Jaffas, while Weston are after Jarryd Sutherland.