THE signing of Queanbeyan star Mitch Daniher is already reaping rewards for Mangoplah-Cookardinia United-Eastlakes with more players jumping on board the Goannas for this season.

In a shock move, Charles Sturt University (CSU) trio Sam Balding, Shaun Bennett and Adam Skow this week decided to return to Mangoplah Sportsground less than a fortnight out from the start of the season.

The trio's decision comes as a huge blow for the Bushpigs, who have already endured a tough off-season ahead of their Farrer League season opener against East Wagga-Kooringal (EWK) on Saturday week, April 12.

Former Wagga Tigers junior Andrew Chamberlain has also sought a clearance to MCUE.

All four players are good mates with Daniher and it was his signing that sparked the switch.

"Skow, Baldo and I have decided to head back to our junior club to finish the last of our football," Bennett said yesterday.

"A big factor that pushed the late decision to leave CSU was to play alongside a good mate of ours, Mitchy D."

Balding, Bennett and Skow have been an integral part of the Bushpigs in recent years after switching from MCUE.

Bennett and Skow have been senior players since arriving in 2009, while Balding came on as an assistant coach a couple of years later.

The decision caught CSU by surprise and Bennett said it was a tough call to make.

"We have loved being around the Pigs the whole time but besides the late notice of leaving CSU, the timing seemed right to go back to Mango," Bennett said.

Balding is under an injury cloud and is not expected to be available until at least midway through the season.

Bennett and Skow hope to get stuck in for the Goannas' immediately.

"Hopefully between us we can get fit and do our best for Mango in whatever grade," Bennett said.

"We are looking forward to playing with all the young players, old team mates and learning as much as we can under their coaching staff."

The addition of Chamberlain, who has not played much in recent years, could be quite the pick-up if he can stay on the paddock.

In a further blow to CSU, Keenan Hanigan is expected to play little football for the club this season.