TWO years after leaving Wagga to chase rugby league challenges, one of the Riverina's most decorated players is returning to Group Nine.
Subscribe now for unlimited access.
$0/
(min cost $0)
or signup to continue reading
In a "massive" boost for Southcity, football dynamo Kyle McCarthy will play for the Bulls in the Group Nine premiership next year.
New Southcity captain-coach Nick Skinner yesterday revealed McCarthy, 26, had agreed to rejoin the Wagga club from which he launched his stellar career.
Speaking to The Daily Advertiser yesterday, Skinner could not hide his delight at McCarthy's return.
"It's massive for us (Southcity) really," Skinner said yesterday.
"He'll tighten up our side.
"I'm really excited. I played all my junior football with him (McCarthy) in Wagga."
Now 26, McCarthy stunned Southcity when he announced he was quitting the club in October, 2012 - ending a five-year association with the Bulls.
The decision to cut ties with Southcity came only weeks after McCarthy shared the disappointment of the Bulls 36-26 loss to Albury in the Group Nine grand final on September 23.
At the time, McCarthy said he was "devastated" the Bulls had failed to defend the historic Group Nine title they captured in 2011.
Defiantly refusing to sign with a rival Group Nine club, McCarthy shifted base to Newcastle and linked with Port Stephens for the 2013 and 2014 seasons.
Although the move failed to deliver great success for port Stephens, McCarthy's imposing football resume only grew in stature.
In two years with Port Stephens, McCarthy played all of the Sharks 32 games, finishing with eight tries and 51 goals.
Significantly, McCarthy's efforts in the powerful Newcastle competition only mirrored his record in Group Nine.
During his senior career at Southcity, McCarthy produced stunning statistics, culminating with him collecting the Weissel Medal in 2011.
For Nick Skinner, McCarthy is a perfect pre-Christmas present.
"He's not only a terrific player, but he's terrific to have around the club," Skinner said.
With McCarthy set to re-settle in Wagga with his new family in January, Skinner is holding off on positional plans for the returning Bull star.
"Kyle's pretty versatile," Skinner said.
"We'll see how things pan out and what best suits the team."
In five years with Southcity, McCarthy played mainly hooker and fullback, but is also adept at halfback.
He was also a fixture in Group Nine and Riverina representative teams.
Kyle McCarthy facts
Clubs: Southcity, Port Stephens
Titles: Group Nine 2011
Accolades: Weissel Medal 2011
