RUGBY LEAGUE
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FEELING like all his Christmases have come at once, Kangaroos coach Andrew Hinchcliffe has put the finishing touches to the Wagga club's most impressive recruitment campaign in years.
Rather than sit idle, Hinchcliffe has actively pursued quality talent over the past three months to give Kangaroos its best shot at the Group Nine title in 2013.
Weeks after Liam Duffy, Ethan Gaffey, Evan Davis and Glen Dumbrell were launched as the first wave of Roos' fresh football personnel, Hinchcliffe yesterday unviled two more crack recruits.
In another massive lift for Roos, potent Kiwi prop Hayden Davis and dynamic Brothers playmaker Eden Price have signed for next year.
Davis, 27, comes with a powerful frame and an impressive resume, while Price boasts "silky skills" and prolific pace.
Clearly thrilled by the latest signings, Hinchcliffe said Price would further spice the backline and Davis add extra muscle to the pack.
"Hayden is fit and strong and has played in strong competitions," Hinchcliffe said.
"He's exactly the the sort of player we've been wanting to get.
"He'll be a terrific complement for John Arentz and Evan Davis."
For Roos, the acquisition of the ex-New Zealand front-rower will give Hinchcliffe the luxury of rotating his big men next year to keep up the pressure on rival teams.
Likewise, the infusion of Price into the backline will be a step forward, according to Hinchcliffe.
"I'm really impressed with him (Price)," Hinchcliffe said.
"He's got silky skills and a good passing game."
Hinchcliffe said the six recruits would strengthen an already strong player list for 2013.
"That's the most important aspect," Hinchcliffe said.
"These players are giving us so much more depth in key positions.
"They will support the players we already have."
Despite the loss of explosive second-rower Joe Cooper (Sydney) and Mitch Blackstock (West Wyalong), Roos will have no shortage of players with bristling ability to back up the new faces.
Hinchcliffe is particularly pleased with the off-season development of youthful playmaker Lachlan Cuell and winger-fullback Jeremy Hampton.
Lightly-framed Cuell has slapped on some bulk and will be an even more effective prospect in 2013, slotting in halves, while Hampton is also training enthusiastically.
It is expected the majority of Roos recruits will attend the club's Christmas Party at Apex Park in Wagga on Sunday.
Hinchcliffe said the event was open to players and supporters and would start at 11am.
"As part of festivities there will be a round-robin of cricket," Hinchcliffe said.