Two-time Olympian Daniel Marsden has returned to the Australian Water Polo League coaching ranks as the former national captain oversees a new-look Hunter Hurricanes squad in 2020.
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Marsden will have at his disposal a young roster, including sons Mitch and Keegan, following the departure of several long-serving players such as captain Gordon Marshall, 300-gamer Daniel Lawrence (UTS Balmain Tigers), Scott Berry and Mitch Baird (retired).
The changeover of personnel follows back-to-back finals appearances for the Hurricanes, who missed the podium on both occasions after claiming a breakthrough bronze in the men's competition in 2014-15.
Marsden last mentored Hunter for three seasons from 2011 to 2014 and takes over from Dan Robinson, who has stepped down with family commitments after steering the ship for each campaign since 2016-17.
In between times the Hurricanes were coached by Brett Arnold (2014-15) and Al Caldwell (2015-16), looking after single years.
Marsden, who will turn 50 in November, said he was looking forward to reacquainting with players he first guided in juniors at Lambton Pool.
"Once Dan Robbo stepped down they [the Hurricanes] were without a coach and there wasn't a lot of reasonable interest," Marsden told the Newcastle Herald.
"I had a couple of nagging voices [sons Mitch and Keegan] at me and they eventually wore me down.
"My only concern was work [commitments], but I'm looking forward to it.
"I love doing it and I love being involved.
"We've got a really young team and a lot of guys who haven't played national league before.
"For me, that's a good challenge and a good opportunity. A lot of them I haven't worked with since they were 12 years of age and now they're on the verge of playing seniors."
Marsden said Mitch, Jake Robinson and debutant goalkeeper Lachlan Walters will be the elder statesman aged just 22.
"We in a bit of a rebuilding phase," Marsden said.
"We've lost a good half-dozen senior guys that have been the backbone of the Hurricanes over the last decade. But that's the nature of sport. You move on and keep looking forward."
The Hurricanes have started pre-season training and will continue over the Christmas break with the campaign kicking off with a double header away against Drummoyne on January 24 and 25.
Being an Olympic year the draw is more compact, meaning Hunter have 10 matches in the opening month.
"You've got to be ready to go straight away," he said.
The Hurricanes, who will host two rounds in Newcastle Harbour on February 1 and 15, have yet to appoint a replacement for outgoing women's coach Baird.
Meanwhile, the club will hold it's season launch at the Queens Wharf Hotel on Sunday (1-4pm).
FIXTURES 2020: Hunter Hurricanes v Drummoyne on Jan 24, 25 (away); HH v Queensland Thunder on Feb 1, 2 (home); HH v UWA on Feb 6, 7 (home); HH v Fremantle on Feb 8, 9 (home); HH v UNSW on Feb 15, 16 (home); HH v Adelaide on Mar 14/15 (away); HH v Cronulla on Mar 21, 22 (away); HH v Balmain on Mar 27, 28 (away).
