The Bolwarra Heights-based father-of-two has opted to end his three-year tenure in charge at Wests after this campaign and return to the Pickers on a two-year deal.

Lantry, who previously played with Maitland in both seniors (2006) and juniors (under 16s, under 17s), said the pending swap would prove no distraction for his current crop at Wests as the minor premiers prepare to enter the Newcastle Rugby League finals series this weekend.

RELATED: Central move within one win of grand final after being last six weeks ago

"We've worked too hard to let anything like that have an affect on us now," Lantry told the Newcastle Herald.

"We don't want to let the opportunity that's in front of us slip.

"I've spoken to the players and they are fully supportive. It won't distract them."

Wests host Central, who Lantry coached in 2014, at Harker Oval in Sunday's major semi-final with the winner progressing to the decider at McDonald Jones Stadium on September 22.

Lantry was re-signed by the club last season before Wests missed the play-offs for the first time since 1979.

In his first campaign at the helm for the Rosellas, 2017, Lantry finished the regular rounds on top of the competition ladder but was eventually upset by Macquarie in the grand final.

"I've had three good years at Wests," Lantry said.

"The first year we were minor premiers and probably should have gone onto win it, but were beaten by a better team on the day.

"Last year was really disappointing, but it allowed us to review everything we do at the club. We set up a little academy where first grade players are going to come from in years to come.

"And this year we're minor premiers in the three open grades and all five teams are playing in major semi-finals at home this weekend."

It won't be the first time Lantry has gone from Wests to Maitland during his career, making the same move as a player after 2005.

The former Knights NSW Cup coach said he was looking forward to the "opportunity" at Maitland. He takes over from outgoing Pickers mentor Luke Dorn. Applications for the role officially closed on the weekend.

Lantry will also continue coaching the Newcastle Rebels representative squad in 2020.

Meanwhile, Kurri Kurri have announced that NSW Pioneers representative and club veteran Mitch Cullen would be the Bulldogs' captain-coach next season.

FIXTURES: Minor Semi-Final - Souths v Cessnock at Cessnock Sportsground on Saturday; Major Semi-Final - Wests v Central at Harker Oval on Sunday.