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WAGGA City rugby union star Jason Lagaali has jumped codes to sign with Group Nine club Tumbarumba.
One of four highly talented sporting brothers, Lagaali yesterday became the Greens most significant recruit of the rugby league off-season.
In a fabulous coup, Lagaali has ditched union after an impressive career to give Tumbarumba a huge lift ahead of the 2014 season.
New Tumbarumba captain-coach Aaron Sweeney was thrilled yesterday that Lagaali had linked with the mountain club.
Although admitting he had little first hand knowledge of Lagaali's football prowess, Sweeney said the union convert came with tremendous references.
"All the (Tumbarumba) board say he'll (Lagaali) be good for us," Sweeney said.
"They all say he can play."
Sweeney said Lagaali's versatility would be a bonus for the Greens as they strive to climb the Group Nine ladder next year.
"I've been told he play fullback, centre, second, lock or just about anywhere," Sweeney said.
"He'll bring a lot of to the table.'
Likewise, Tumbarumba secretary Chris Rhynehart said Lagaali's recruitment was of great significance.
"The club is very happy to have Jason on board for 2014 and looks forwards to his contribution in the coming season," Rhynehart said.
Coincidentally, Lagaali's signing came at much the same time as past Tumbarumba coach Timoci Vatabuli was elected to the Group Nine of directors.
Lagaali, meantime, is a football powerhouse with a top pedigree.
As a teenager, Lagaali was eyed as a prospective Super 12 player for the ACT Brumbies, but also represented Australia in athletics at the junior Commonwealth Games in 2004.
Lagaali will not be the last major recruit to head to Tumbarumba.
Sweeney said the Greens were "talking" to several other prominent players, with further news to come in the near future.
Lagaali will leave a gaping hole in the Wagga City team for the Southern Inland Rugby Union premiership in 2014.
The barnstorming runner has terrorised rival teams for years and will be give the Greens explosive power.
With one brother on the books, the Greens may take a shot at securing Lagaali's siblings