Reluctantly returned for second term as Junee president at the recent annual general meeting, McCarthy says the club needs to hook a couple of key recruits for the Group Nine premiership in 2015.

"We're definitely fishing," McCarthy said.

"We've got some lines out but we need someone to take the bait."

Coming after Junee lost explosive Moses Manu to Sydney, McCarthy's remarks reflect the Diesels determination to try to keep pace with other teams in the Group Nine premiership.

At a time when several Group Nine rivals have announced major recruits, Junee is struggling to secure much-needed backline talent.

"We really need to get a couple of centres," McCarthy said.

"Junee always seems to be able to get the big blokes, but we find it harder in the backs."

McCarthy's comments followed the news Tumut has signed controversial NRL player Arana Taumata as captain-coach for next year.

A five-eighth with lightning speed and superior skills, Taumata has played with seven NRL clubs, but spent this year with Newtown in the NSW Cup.

Taumata will be walking into a thankless job in the hills as Tumut lost all 16 games this year to collect the wooden-spoon.

As the Blues celebrate their catch, the Diesels are lamenting that Manu has got away.

McCarthy said Manu was moving to Sydney and would be "training with Cronulla".

On the plus side, the Diesels have re-signed imposing prop Patrick Sagigi to lead the pack again.

Significantly, Junee captain-coach Matt Hands will remain in England until Christmas and will be striving to secure players for 2015.

"Matty will be heading home on Boxing Day," McCarthy said.

"He's looking out for anyone who might be available."

A legendary football figure in Junee, McCarthy says Sagigi is relishing the prospect of playing alongside Hands for a full season next year.

"Patrick told me he likes the way Matt organises things," McCarthy said

With Sagigi providing the power, and Hands the dash and daring, Junee has a head start for the year.

Restricted to a handful of games this year, the young Junee captain-coach is a player with a wonderful all-round game.