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Now it is his job to do just that.
Herden, a former Old Golds and Otago utility back with a range of coaching experience, was this week named the new North Otago coach.
"I’m really excited, and I can’t wait to get stuck into things," Herden told the Otago Daily Times yesterday.
The St Clair School deputy principal has taken some time away from major coaching responsibilities in recent times while he has focused on the demands of his day job.
"That was a big enough job for me to get my head around and learn the ropes.
"I feel I’m at a place now where I’m keen to get back into coaching."
Herden, 47, spent the 2023 season as an assistant with the Old Golds and said it sparked his desire to give something back to his adopted rugby province.
"They’re just a great group of guys, and it took me back to when I was playing.
"Just the vibe and the atmosphere within the North Otago Heartland set-up... it was nice.
"When this opportunity came up, I thought I’d chuck my name in and see what happens."
He is Dunedin born and raised, and a proud product of King’s High School and the Southern club, for which he played over 200 premier games then coached, but Herden has a bit of old gold in his blood.
"Spook" became a cult hero as a powerfully built fullback in the great North Otago team that won the old NPC third division title in 2002, and after making four appearances for Otago in the top tier, he returned to Oamaru to be captain and second five in the 2010 team that won the Meads Cup.
He finished with 56 caps for North Otago.
Major part of career
"It’s been a major part of my rugby career, and it’s probably provided the happiest and most enjoyable times.
"It’s just the friendship and the people you meet. A townie from Dunedin going up and experiencing a bit of Oamaru life, and the Pacific flair, and getting away to rural New Zealand.
"It’s a unique opportunity, and it really does galvanise a group of people and create memories.
"Hopefully that can carry on this year and we can have some success along the way."
The Old Golds have fallen behind the pack in recent seasons. It was painful for their fans to watch arch rivals South Canterbury win three consecutive Meads Cups, and last year North Otago missed the playoffs for the first time in 25 years.
Herden has followed the team’s fortunes closely and is confident steps can be taken to start tracking in the right direction.
"I look at the talent that is in Oamaru, and I’ve seen performances that show what they are capable of.
"I feel if we can create the right environment, and align all the players, and do what I think we can do, I’m excited about this year, and hopefully the community can get in behind us and we can start climbing back up to where we belong."
Herden is married to Anna, and has two children, 10-year-old Indi and 8-year-old Benn.
He acknowledges being based in Dunedin will present some challenges but does not expect them to be overpowering, especially as he has local heroes Ralph Darling and Kilifi Fangupo in his coaching team.
"The obvious challenge is getting from Dunedin to Oamaru consistently to make sure I’m seeing the players in club rugby.
"Ralph and Kilifi will provide local eyes, and I know the union is putting resources into video footage, so we’ll be able to see all the games."
Herden was part of a golden era in which the Old Golds were bolstered by top-class Dunedin imports each season.
Securing consistency from outside the region will be vital if the Heartland team is to improve, and Herden hopes to foster the relationship with both Otago and the Highlanders while also using his Dunedin links to create opportunities.
