Egan is making the transition from the coaching ranks and back into football administration at a critical time for the club. After successful stints as an assistant to Hasler at Manly and Canterbury, Egan joins the Tigers with a view to keeping together the nucleus of a side featuring off-contract superstars James Tedesco, Mitchell Moses, Aaron Woods and Luke Brooks.

"That will be at the top end of the inbox," Egan said in his first interview since signing with the Tigers.

"Those players are a high-priority to get re-signed. Equally, it's important we retain as much talent as the head coach, CEO and myself want to move forward with.

"They are an entertaining side and a young side, which provides an opportunity to create a bit of a legacy within the club. It's an exciting opportunity for them. It would be wonderful to keep those players together. That's the goal of the club and hopefully the players we're talking about – and the others coming off contract – believe in that concept and want to live those values.

"That perpetuates the Balmain and Wests tradition going forward."

Egan's appointment continues a varied career in rugby league. He played for North Sydney, although his Bears stint didn't quite coincide with that of the man he'll be working closely with, Tigers coach Jason Taylor. He was the football manager at the Cowboys, where he was also an assistant coach, but is best known for his work alongside Hasler.

One of their first interactions was during his time coaching Wynnum Manly in the Queensland Cup. The Sea Eagles were after a centre and Egan tipped him into a raw-boned lad by the name of Steve Matai. Not long afterwards, they were in the same coach's box, overseeing premierships at Manly. When Hasler shifted from Brookvale to Belmore, he took Egan with him.

"I couldn't give Des a bigger compliment; he's been a great mentor, he's given me a massive education, not only in coaching the game of rugby league but in performance management and organisational process," said Egan, who replaces Mark O'Neill.

"I can't thank him enough. I consider him a friend and when I sat down with him [on Thursday to tell him I was leaving] it was a tough conversation to have, given we've been together for about nine years. He was very understanding with what I was doing and where I was going. For that, I thank him."

In taking up the new role, Egan has put an end to his coaching ambitions. However, he is looking forward to being part of the Tigers brains trust when they take on the Bulldogs next year.

"I think I'll stay away from the coach's box, I might stay down on the sidelines," Egan quipped.

"That will be great, I'm looking forward to that. It happens when players change clubs, you transition from one place to another and it's always a good time. It's always fun the first time you come up against the old club."

Canterbury poached long-time Tigers recruiter Warren McDonnell. Now a Bulldog has gone the other way. Egan, who has management experience with TAFE Queensland and gaming machine manufacturer Aristocrat, believes he is joining the Tigers at an opportune time.

"The exciting part for me is it seems to be moving in the right direction with its governance structure, leadership structure and they're building towards something that looks pretty good for the next few years," he said.

"It's a varied role and an exciting one, too."