Vunibaka guided the Phantoms to an undefeated Southern Inland premiership last season, their first in 26 years, but has elected not to complete a second season at the helm.

It comes six weeks after former president Bart Challacombe confirmed Vunibaka would be coaching once more in 2018.

However new president Tim Allen, who came into the role last month, admitted there has since been a change of plans.

But the Phantoms are not hunting for a replacement for Vunibaka.

Instead former coach Seru Rogo will return to the head coaching role.

Allen did not want to comment, but did confirm the change was already in place. He also said Vunibaka would continue to be involved with the club.

Rogo helped attract Vunibaka to the club after both had been involved with Griffith. The former Fijian international, who played 17 Tests as well as 50 Super Rugby caps for Canterbury Crusaders, moved to the Riverina in 2014. He joined Griffith for the one season before making the switch to Leeton.

The Blacks won the 2014 premiership before Rogo and Vunibaka moved camps and they have not made the finals since.

Rogo coached the Phantoms in 2015 and 2016 before taking a back step, in part due to commitments in Fiji. He was still an important part of the coaching set-up during the premiership success. Vunibaka and Rogo both did not return calls.

The switch means Ag College are the only Southern Inland club yet to lock in a coach for 2018. 

Waratahs, Wagga City, Griffith and now Leeton have elected different coaches from last season while Albury, Tumut and CSU have stuck solid.