Waratahs add weight to squad

PERENNIAL powerhouse Waratahs has continued to bolster its playing ranks, unveiling four new recruits.

Waratahs coach Hugh Palmer revealed there would be some old faces returning to the fold as the club searches for more experience to return to the summit of the SIRU competition.

Halfback Sandy Middleton is one of the players returning to the club after he helped plot the Waratahs' downfall in last season grand final.

A premiership winner with Waratahs in 2010, moving from Holbrook to Tumbarumba was the key factor in Middleton's transfer from Albury.

Bringing a wealth of premiership experience to the club, Palmer was excited to receive the boost in the key position role.

"He's good mates with most of the boys and he'll fit in very well," Palmer said.

Outside back Matt Shortis is another of the new faces at the club, after moving from Sydney.

Palmer and centre Pat Barrett both played rugby with Shortis when they went to university together in Armidale, and the coach believes his experience will be a welcome addition to the squad looking to go one better after falling to the Steamers in last year's grand final.

"He was quite handy back then so we are hoping he will be handy," Palmer said.

"We were pretty strong in outside backs last year and with a couple of new additions it will be very handy."

The Waratahs have also secured the services of another outside back, Tim Devitt, who played in the Illawarra last season.

With a plethora of outside backs coming to the club - with Barrett also returning to rugby after a stint with Australian rules - the battle for positions could poise as a selection headache for Palmer when the season kicks off on April 5.

But it's hardly an unenviable position with Palmer looking forward to the club's new depth.

"We are really lucky this year and it will be good to put some good pressure on," he said

But it's not just backs that will boost the Waratahs side with rampaging forward Tom Finucane returning to the club.

A premiership player in 2011, Finucane has returned to the club after playing in Warren.

"He's going to be a massive boost too," Palmer said.

"Last year we had a very good side but probably lacking a few older heads, so the addition of Tommy back into the pack will definitely help us out.

"Tommy's a bit of a supersub and could fit in anywhere from the front row right through to the back row, so we'll see where we need him."

Rumours were circulating that a number of crosstown rivals have joined the club, but Palmer is yet to see any of the new faces.

Meanwhile, former Ag College star Ben Leaper has impressed since making the move to the Canberra Royals this season.

Leaper was named in the representative ACT XIV team belted 67-0 by the ACT Brumbies side on Saturday night.

Former Wagga City star Eddie Lagaali also joined the Royals this season and took part in the Queanbeyan Sevens tournament on Saturday.