Injuries have put his playing career on hold, but Dylan Gon-Chee still gets amongst it

The assistant coach is both a longtime area resident and a longtime rugby league player, starting his playing career at the club when he was a young teenager.

"I've been playing since I was 13," Gon-Chee said.

"I started at Mustangs when I was 13, then I moved to Jimboomba and I've been back at Mustangs since 2018."

Unfortunately a string of injuries, starting with a knee reconstruction in 2018, has kept Gon-Chee from heading out onto the pitch.

However, what would have been an impediment became an opportunity and Gon-Chee said he was approached by coach Gerard Adams about joining the coaching staff.

"Gerard approached me at the start of last year about helping him out and staying around as an assistant coach after my second ACL tear," he said.

"It's been a different side of footy, it's very different to just being a player but I've loved every second of it.

"It's a good way to understand the game more and grow more as a player and a coach as well."

The assistant coaching role keeps Gon-Chee busy, with jobs ranging from coordinating the teams' training drills to spending time writing match reports and running the club's social media.

It is a lot to take on, but Gon-Chee said his teammates had helped him to adapt to his new role, as had Mr Adams and his family.

"My dad has always supported me through being a player and as a coach," he said.

"He's probably been my biggest supporter since I was a kid. For a big tough man he's a bit of a softy.

"My mum and my sister have been pretty supportive, and Gerard is always there to support me and help me out."

The young coach said this season had been far from ordinary, but was confident the Mustangs men would overcome the challenges and place the Grand Final in reach.

"It's been a bit of a topsy-turvy season," Gon-Chee said.

"It's the first year we've had two Open Men's teams at Mustangs, which is a good thing to have. We've also stepped up a division too, so the competition is a lot more difficult.

"I can't make any promises that we will get there, but we're doing everything we can to put ourselves in the best position to make the Grand Final."

Regardless of what the end of the season has in store, Gon-Chee said he was looking forward to coaching again next season and, depending how well he recovers, taking to the field once more.

"I really enjoy it," he said.

"The plan for next year is, if all goes well with my recovery, is to play again.

"I think at this stage Gerard wants to keep me on as the assistant coach as well. So I'd coach, but I'd still get to play on game day."

Overall, Gon-Chee said he was grateful for the opportunity to remain involved with the club.

"I'm pretty grateful for the opportunity," he said.

"To be honest, Gerard has really done me a massive favour by getting me on board. I definitely owe him a lot as a coach and as a person.

"I don't think I'd be where I am without his help and support."