RUGBY LEAGUE: Current Cutters under-20s coach Michael Comerford sees a big future ahead after having his volunteer role increased to a formal part-time position in 2019.

Navigating the inaugural under-20s season in 2018 after coming on board late, Comerford was buoyed about fine-tuning the potential of his squad on the back of a full pre-season.

On top of under-20s players of the calibre of Jye Andersen and Zac Butler, who both played at Intrust Super Cup in 2018, Comerford will retain the majority of the side in 2019 and sees more talent stepping up through "more of a connection” with the ISC set-up.

"I'll have a lot more work to do with the ISC boys, so hopefully we can take good stuff they're doing and filter it down,” Comerford said.

"A stronger connection, that's where we can really focus, to give the boys an opportunity to play ISC.”

Confident he can balance the increased role with full-time teaching, Comerford said it was baby steps in 2018, but expected his side to fire next season.

"Now that (first season) is under their belt, they know the opportunities are there to progress, so I think the squad will be more prepared,” he said.