Almost in the same breath as announcing Byrne had jumped on board at Young for 2014, Branighan revealed the club had another “massive” recruit in its sights for the 2014 Group Nine premiership.

“We’ve got one more (player), and we’re confident something might happen by next week,” Branighan said yesterday.

“It’ll be a massive signing for the club.

“There’s been plenty of interest from other clubs.”

Coming at a time when Byrne is a headline grabber, Branighan’s tempting feeler could hardly diminish the importance of the recruitment of the Bulldogs hero.

Just a week after landing a suspension until May 12 for “inappropriate behaviour” at the Weissel Medal presentation dinner in September, Byrne bounced back yesterday to create more spectacular news.

In moving from Cootamundra to Young next year, Byrne is blazing a remarkable new chapter in his dynamic career.

The stylish hooker will sever ties with the Bulldogs after a decade of outstanding first grade service, which included co-coaching the team two years ago.

Ironically, the rumour mill has already been swirling with suggestions explosive Cootamundra prop Grant Boyd, who shared the Bulldogs job with Byrne, might be a target for Young.

Significantly, however, Young only recently re-signed powerful front-rower Saul Lealaitafea, giving the Cherrypickers pack a fabulous head start for next year.

The retention of Lealaitafea came at the same time as flying fullback Perry Whitely also elected to stay with the club.

For Branighan, the re-signing of Whitely and Lealaitafea is not just window-dressing for the Byrne coup.

“They (Lealaitafea and Whitely) were both super for us this year,” Branighan said.

“Saul gave us so much go forward and played a lot more minutes than he should have had to.

“Perry was just as effective.”

Whitely scored 16 tries in his debut season with Young this year and was instrumental in aiding the Cherrypickers’ rise from the ashes from a woeful start to finish sixth.

Branighan, meantime, is also excited about Young’s quality English recruit Thomas Bush.

“Anyone who’s played for Leeds Rhinos should be able to hold his own in Group Nine,” Branighan said.

The acquisition of Bush will give Young more strikepower, but Byrne’s creativity is clearly the greatest asset the team has gained in its off-season spree.

Branighan said it was impossible to “shy away” from the relevance of securing Byrne.