Appin resident Robert Melville has had a long-term involvement with Group 6 football and comes from a rugby league background.

His brother Alex is a fulltime assistant coach at the Penrith Panthers and is also set to coach Group 6/Wests Juniors first grade newcomers Campbelltown Kangaroos this season.

Melville hasn’t played rugby league in three seasons due to a recurring knee problem, but he’s excited to be in charge at Bowral.

“I wanted to help turn the club around,” Melville said.

“There are some really good blokes here and they deserve to have a fair go.”

Melville has brought five players with him and is confident Bowral can be successful this season.

Bowral have nominated to play in both reserve grade and third grade, but Melville said they will need at least another half-a-dozen players if the two teams are to eventuate.

Melville hasn’t joined in training yet but is hopeful of playing the season, pending on his knee.

“The specialist told me the ACL [anterior cruciate ligament] is gone, but I have powerful thighs so can get away without it,” he said.

The prop has already had three knee reconstructions and is happy to go without an ACL.