Fiercely determined for Young to bridge the gap on Group Nine heavyweights Albury, Southcity and Gundagai, Branighan yesterday revealed the Cherrypickers had taken a step in the right direction.

"We've made two important signings," Branighan said yesterday.

"I'm extremely excited.

"They're both experienced players and I know they'll perform in the big games."

In a spectacular off-season move, Young yesterday unveiled Central Coast lock Matt Wakefield and Englishman Neil Thorman as the first wave of recruits for 2015.

Fast and "very versatile", Thorman is fresh from a stint with Cumbria club Whitehaven, while Wakefield, 33, played for Woy Woy this year.

Significantly, Branighan knows from experience that both players have the perfect qualities to help make Young a contender for the Group Nine title.

"I grew up with Matt in Sydney," Branighan said.

"He's very good on his feet - he's strong and got speed.

"He can do the tough stuff but is also a ball-player."

Likewise, Branighan shares a common thread with 30-year-old Thorman.

"Neil and I played together at Gatesheads (in England) in 2009," he said.

"He's very versatile … can play hooker, five-eighth or fullback equally well.

"He's very fit and has got a turn of speed."

At 30, Thorman should complement Branighan's skill and direction, while Wakefield will give Young a head start in the pack.

A month after declaring Young was out to build on this season's fifth place finish, Branighan is adamant the club is still pursuing new personnel.

"At the moment we're looking for prop forward and a centre," he said.

"Obviously a lot of clubs are in the same situation."

For Young, fresh talent is needed after shedding Jack Hetherington (Sydney Roosters), Perry Whitely (England) and Naya Freeman (NRL) since the end of the season.

Branighan admits he has been busy chasing players and using his "contacts" to secure the right personnel.

"We haven't stopped," he said.

Amid expectations the 2015 premiership will be the most competitive in five years, Branighan does not want Young to be left behind.

"The competition might open right up," he said.

"We definitely want to up in the mix."

With the Group Nine premiership to start a fortnight earlier than normal next year, Branighan will kick off pre-season training in December and consider taking Young to the West Wyalong Knockout and Cootamundra Nines in February and March respectively.

YOUNG 2015

Gains: Neil Thorman (Whitehaven), Matt Wakefield (Woy Woy)

Losses: Jack Hetherington (Sydney Roosters), Perry Whitely (England), Naya Freeman (NRL)