Purdue recently shifted to Wagga for a business opportunity and the Wolves were quick to snare the services of the well-travelled footballer.

The 31-year-old former Australian Joeys star put pen to paper with the reigning premier yesterday morning.

Purdue played alongside superstar Harry Kewell for three years as part of the Australian Joeys squad before the pair headed separate ways to forge international careers.

Purdue spent time in Holland, Belgium, the US and Iceland while also returning home for stints where he notched up 54 National Soccer League games.

Purdue has moved to Wagga to take over his family's business Decoglaze and can't wait to help Tolland in its quest for back-to-back premierships.

"I take things on face value and it doesn't matter if I'm playing in Europe or in Wagga," Purdue said yesterday.

"As long as you approach the game with a professional attitude and people are competitive but also mindful to grow the sport and the club, it doesn't matter if it's here or overseas.

"There's still a round ball and two goals."

Purdue has jet-setted the world with his football career and named an under-17 international against Uruguay in front of 60,000 people as his career highlight.

"We played at the national stadium in Montevideo against Uruguay in front of 60,000," Purdue said.

"We won 4-2 and had guys like Harry Kewell and Brett Emerton playing.

"I played with Harry for three years in the same state side then with the Joeys.

"Playing in Iceland was a sensational experience as well."

Purdue plays in central defence.

Tolland senior vice-president Martin Loy said it was a huge coup for not only Tolland, but Football Wagga.

"This is the best thing that's happened in Wagga soccer," Loy said yesterday.

"In my opinion, it's not only good for our club but also the association and the competition.

"He's got a lot of credentials and experience.

"It's unbelievable - I still can't believe it."

Tolland will again be coached by Pat O'Brien this season.