Mark Sivewright, who won five premierships with Marist Brothers Rams, has been retained to be the First Grade coach in 2021, the club has announced.

Sivewright took a new-look Rams, mainly players who had played for Marist Brothers Juniors Rugby League, to the Northern Rivers Regional Rugby League Gold Grand Final last month.

The Rams lost to Ballina Seagulls but almost won the match in the fourth quarter.

"I am really looking forward to 2021," said Sivewright.

"As a club we are looking to evolve on our 2020 season, so exciting times ahead for our club.

"We have really good depth within. Reserve Grade side is really strong and there are some exciting Under 18 players coming through."

One player Sivewright and all Brothers supporters want to see back to full fitness is second row forward/lock Kyle Kennedy, who came on off the bench in the Grand Final.

"Kyle Kennedy missed the majority of 2020 with a leg injury. He’s been training the house down and is ready to go," said Sivewright.

"We have a really well balanced club at the moment with our experienced players showing great leadership on and off the field."

Marist Brothers will start preseason training on 2 February, 2021. Sivewright will be assisted by Simon Andrews and Jake Campbell in 2021.

In other appointments by Marist Brothers Rugby League Club, Darryl Butcher will co-coach Reserve Grade with Tony Gava in 2021.

John Jenkins has been named coach of the Under 18s, who reached the Grand Final last month.

In 2021, Al Petty, with Jake Petty as assistant, will continue to coach the Marist Brothers Ramettes, who won the LLT Gold Grand Final last month after an unbeaten season.