Steve Georgallis will replace Brad Arthur as the Manly assistant coach for the 2014 NRL season.

Georgallis, who served a similar role with Wests Tigers in 2012, having worked previously with Penrith, where he served as caretaker coach at the end of the 2011 season, takes over from Arthur after his appointment at Parramatta last month.

“In the end it was a pretty easy decision to make,” Georgallis said.

“I’m just really happy to be here and to be able to work with Geoff Toovey, David Penna and all the other trainers and staff.

“The team itself has a great culture, they’re a tough team. I’m really looking forward to working with the players and trying to get the best out of them to hopefully go one better next year.”

Toovey welcomed Georgallis to the club and believes Manly have made the right decision to ensure they stay at the top of the NRL in 2014.

“Steve comes with a wealth of experience, both as a player and coach, and we’re excited to have him on board,” Toovey said.

“To stay at the top in the NRL, you’ve got to be thinking ahead and constantly freshening things up and we definitely feel that this is something Steve can bring to our set-up.”