Tema was named the Greens players’ player last season and was quick to join their Group Nine rivals after moving into recess.

Cherrypickers captain-coach James Woolford was more than happy to have him onboard.

“I thought he was quality when we played them up there,” Woolford said.

“He was a standout for them last year and he will add a bit of depth to our squad.”

While a hooker at Tumbarumba, he’s expected to have a different role with Young in 2018.

“He can play a bit of lock and play in the halves and we really want to get him here first to see where he is most comfortable,” Woolford said.

“Obviously I will still play nine and I’m not going to move myself out of there but we will see where he best fits.”

Tema is the third new face into the Cherrypickers team this season.

Playmaker Robert Roberts headlines the list after being named the best player in the Canberra Raiders Cup competition two seasons ago while Jake Veney is back with the club after taking time off due to a knee injury.

Young have only lost three players with star halfback Ray Talimalie moved on after some off-field dramas while Haydn Cowled has returned to Cootamundra and Tui Samoa has joined Junee.

Young are heading to the West Wyalong Knockout next week and have also locked in a trial with Yass on March 17.

The Young Cherrypickers will kick start their season in the Group Nine competition against Tumut on April 15.