Going within a step of completing what would have been a dream first campaign with Orange Hawks in 2013, Mortimer has again applied to captain-coach the two blues in 2014.

That position, however, hinges heavily on the five-eighth continuing his current employment as a physical education teacher at James Sheahan Catholic High School.

Temora is aware of Mortimer's desire to teach, and Dragons officals believe they are finally closing in on a coach for the upcoming Group Nine season.

Only days after on a high-profile candidate from Wollongong narrowly escaped their clutches, the Dragons are poised to end their search for a new coach as early as the weekend.

Temora secretary Greg Matthews yesterday revealed the latest contender for the Dragons position was weighing up his options - and a decision was close at hand.

At a time when clubs in the bush are finding it increasingly difficult to secure coaches, Matthews said Temora was on the threshold of a breakthrough.

"All going well we (Temora) should have someone on Saturday," Matthews said yesterday.

"Everything is looking positive."

For Temora, the prospect of clinching a deal with new coach will climax a turbulent three months since completing commitments for 2013.

In a dramatic upheaval, this year's Temora coach Anthony Chambeyron was sensationally dumped by the club's incoming committee.

Rather than fight his shock dismissal, Chambeyron accepted his fate and was paid out the second year of his contract with the Dragons.

With Chambeyron out of the equation, Temora went into overdrive to find a replacement - and had several quality players in their sights.

Matthews yesterday confirmed Temora had pursued Mortimer and Manly centre Kyle Lodge for Chambeyron's prized post.

"Yeah, we've been chasing a few players," Matthews said.

"Tim Mortimer was sort of interested, but it was a lot to do with him getting a job."

Matthews admitted the Dragons came within a whisker of securing Sea Eagles back Lodge.

"The reason we missed out Kyle Lodge was because he is a chance of being picked up by another NRL club," Matthews said.

"He (Lodge) was really interested."