GROUP NINE
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YOUNG captain-coach Luke Branighan is denying panic after the Cherrypickers missed out on four quality recruits from Fiji.
- RELATED: Riverina football signings
- PICTURES: West Wyalong Knockout
Branighan yesterday confirmed plans to secure the four internationals had been scuttled, but he would not elaborate on the reasons.
"We were chasing a few players and things sort of fell through," Branighan said yesterday.
"Nothing's really gone right for us so far, but we're still chasing a few others."
Although Branighan would not disclose the details of the failed overseas signing bid, the Advertiser understands the quartet remained in their country to be chase spots in the Fiji team for the World Cup.
Branighan yesterday admitted Young's recruitment process was "in limbo" and the Cherrypickers were cutting it fine to boost their player ranks.
"It's not ideal, but the club is working round the clock to sign players," he said.
"Hopefully we will have signed players by the start of the pre-season competition or at least by the start of the Group Nine premiership."
Branighan is adamant he is not deeply concerned at the latest setback and says Young will continue to pursue further Fijian recruits.
"Hopefully if we can get a few players everything will work out," Branighan said.
"At the moment we are looking to be competitive with the other teams."
Fresh from a reconnaissance mission to the West Wyalong Knockout on Friday, Branighan said he expected Albury, Southcity and Gundagai to be teams to beat for the Group Nine title.
"I thought Southcity looked pretty good (at the knockout)," he said.
"They'll be up there again with Albury and Gundagai.
"Temora has signed a few handy players and should be improved and I think Tumbarumba will also do better."
Temora thrashed Forbes in a first round game at the knockout, but was bowled over by Southcity in a quarter-final the following night.
In contrast, Tumbarumba was thumped by Cowra in a first round game and fell well short of expectations.