Former Cherrypicker Tui Samoa has signed with the Junee Diesels in the lead up to the 2018 Group Nine season.
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The 34-year-old utility will make the switch from Group Nine rivals Young fresh from representing the United States of America in the Rugby League World Cup.
According to commentators Samoa’s switch continues a strong off-season by the Diesels, who have also snared former State of Origin player Dane Nielsen as coach.
The Diesels have now added Nielsen, Samoa plus front rowers Isaac Maliota and Pene Tamate and are still in talks with a couple more.
“Things look alright and are starting to come into place,” Junee president Simon Vanzanten said.
Things look alright and are starting to come into place.
- Simon Vanzanten
“I said when I took over I wanted us to have a crack at winning it. I want us to try and knock off Southcity.”
Samoa has made an immediate impression at his new club and has taken pre-season training alongside Vanzanten until Nielsen arrives.
He will also coach Junee’s leaguetag team.
Samoa could find himself at lock in a Junee team that already boasts the likes of Trent Schubach, Hayden Diggins, Matt Hands and Daniel Foley.
“It depends on how the team pans out but he and Trent could both either play lock or hooker,” Vanzanten said.
Decision in the hands of Group Nine
Meanwhile embattled Group Nine club Tumbarumba may not be on the move to join the border based Murray Cup after all.
The Greens announced last week their intention to leave Group Nine to join the border-based Murray Cup, however, Murray Cup president Chris Treffers was caught off guard by the news.
The club’s fate could now lay in the hands of Group Nine clubs after a meeting with Country Rugby League (CRL) officials on Wednesday afternoon.
Tumbarumba president Larry Collins met with CRL regional manager David Skinner to discuss the club’s options after it emerged late last week that the Greens wanted to leave Group Nine and explore a future in the border-based Murray Cup.
But Tumbarumba are now hopeful of remaining in Group Nine after productive talks with the CRL on Wednesday.
It will then be up to Group Nine and their clubs to decide Tumbarumba’s fate in the competition.
