Now the one time NSW State of Origin back-rower is charged with adding steel to the Hunter Wildfires.

In a major coup, Muggleton has joined the Wildfires as assistant coach and will work specifically on their defence for the 2022 Shute Shield campaign.

"John has a wealth of knowledge and experience and will help us build a solid foundation," Wildfires coach Scott Coleman said. "He has been involved in rugby at the top level for more than 20 years and his knowledge of the game is really high.

"Defence is an area we really need to pick up on. At this level, the guys all know how to tackle. It is as much about attitude as anything else. John will drive the standards and let players know if they are falling below what's required."

A former NRL premiership-winner with Parramatta, Muggleton is regarded as one of the best defensive coaches in the world.

He was integral to the Wallabies' triumph at 1999 World Cup - where they conceded one try for the tournament - and spent a decade in the national team set-up.

In more recent years, he has worked as a head coach in Japan and was at the helm of Shute Shield battlers Penrith last season.

"I didn't want to be a head coach anymore, but I still enjoy the team aspect - the camaraderie and being able to achieve something together," Muggleton said. "I have a place at Salamander Bay and spoke to Bubba (Coleman) last year and told him I'd be up this way half the time. He asked me to give him a hand so that's what I am doing."

Initially, Muggleton will work on individual skills before progressing to team defensive structure.

"I usually start from scratch and work on technique," he said. "If their footwork and technique is good you have a chance of a good result.

"I coach by a system - explanation by me, demonstration by me, imitation by them. Then repetition, repetition, repetition until it becomes second nature.

"If they are willing to put in extra time - because it is all very simple - they can improve a great deal.

"Part of defence is that everyone has to know what to expect from the person next to them. People have to be confident in the system.

"That is what I try and instill as well. Confidence in each other and confidence in the system."

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The Wildfires conceded 31 points a game last season. Fitness played a part. The Wildfires only got the go ahead in February to play in the Shute Shield and had an abbreviated pre-season.

It showed in the final 20 minutes, when most of the points against were scored.

They had climbed to ninth spot and gave up 11 and 12 points respectively in the last two games - both wins - before the season was suspended due to COVID-19.

With a full pre-season and Muggleton on board, Coleman is confident of marked improvement.

"With a lack of fitness, the first thing that falls off is defence," Coleman said. "Last season, we were in a lot of games with 20 minutes to go. The want to actually do that extra step to get to the tackle comes with fitness and mindset which we are working really hard on this pre-season."

As well as Muggleton, former Australia sevens player Ross Duncan (forwards), 2021 captain Carl Manu (backs) and Danny Maiava (scrum) have joined Coleman's support staff.

The Wildfires' focus will be on fitness and strength until Christmas.

Their first hit out will involve the NSW Waratahs on February 5

"A Shute Shield All Stars were going to play the Waratahs but a number of coaches were reluctant to have their players involved," Coleman said. "It's early in our preparation but I have talked to the players and they are all excited to test themselves at that level and be seen."

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