ONE of the Port Macquarie Sharks' finest premiership players will return to the club in 2015 to take up a captain-coach role.
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Matt Shipway, who won a premiership with the club in 2006 and most recently represented the USA Tomahawks in the Rugby League World Cup, has agreed to terms with his hometown team.
Shipway last pulled on a Sharks jersey in 2007 before he departed to play in the tough Newcastle competition where he also undertook a captain-coach role for a number of seasons.
He was granted an opportunity to head over to America to play and did so, earning his stripes and the World Cup jersey.
Shipway played against the world's best players including Sonny Bill Williams and Johnathan Thurston.
Shipway was thrilled to be returning to his junior club and spoke with passion about ensuring the club becomes even more successful in the coming years.
"I'm really excited to be back playing for the Sharks again," he said.
"I moved to Port when I was 11 and played for the under 12s through until first grade so this club is very close to my heart."
Having played under coaches such as Matt Elliott and Terry Matterson in the World Cup, Shipway is hoping he can help deliver a premiership to the club in 2015.
"I hope I can bring something extra to the Sharks," he said.
"I'm better now for my experiences, particularly captain-coaching in Newcastle. The game has definitely changed heaps since I use to play up here in Port Macquarie so hopefully I can move with the times."
Despite his attempt at modesty when pressed about just how much he will bring to the club as the most experienced group player and coach in 2015, Shipway just wants to do his best.
"I haven't really thought about that, but at the end of the day I have been lucky to get the experience I have," he said.
"My goal personally is to win the comp in first grade obviously as it was great when I last did it in 2006."
The Sharks have always been a strong club and they pride themselves on being one of the top clubs in the group according to the returning Shipway.
"Aside from the on field things, I have been filled in with some off-field incidents and I'd love to clean that up and get that strong community feel back involved with the club," he said.
"I want to see families and older supporters back and get our reputation back up to where it should be. I want to get this town behind us and know we are a respectful and clean team."