Southern Inland Rugby Union
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A NIGHTMARE season could soon be only a distant memory for Leeton
The Phantoms could be the big beneficiary of Griffith's player dramas.
Leeton is poised to sign former Fijian internationals Marika Vunibaka and Dan Rawaqa for the 2015 season.
And the new recruits from the Blacks might not end there.
President Bart Challacombe confirmed there has been talk of both players making the move from the Blacks to Leeton, with discussions starting three months ago.
"Dan is in Fiji at the moment and I'm not sure if he's coming back or not, if he does obviously we'd like to have him playing in Leeton," Challacombe said.
"He's a quality player and Marika is in Griffith and we are talking to him about what his plans are for next year.
"The same goes with him, he's a very good player with a lot of experience and would add a bit of quality to our team."
Griffith's playing ranks have erupted following coach Seru Rogo's departure.
After leading the Blacks to its first premiership in over a decade, Rogo will be an assistant coach at Canberra club Easts in 2015.
A war of words between Rogo and Griffith president Clint Robertson has left players angered, with a large number of players indicating they want to play for the Phantoms rather than the Blacks.
Issues including the supply of strapping tape and the discontinuation of a team barbecue are the tip of the iceberg.
Other issues raised include Robertson remaining president despite announcing to the player group his intention to stand down after talk of player discontent.
Griffith are looking to move forward and has set its sights of its premiership defence and are hopeful of installing a coach before Christmas.
Challacombe has heard the rumours that more Blacks players are looking to jump ship and would welcome them into the club.
"There is obviously some internal issues at Griffith and you don't wish any club to be going through that sort of stuff, " Challacombe said.
"But if they do, and the players aren't happy playing there of course we are more than happy for people to come along and play for Leeton."
The Phantoms only won one game last season with injury and player unavailability a major factor.
Their one win was the shock of the season, defeating defending premiers and eventual grand finalists Albury.
Leeton was buoyed by Griffith Waratahs coach Kose Lelei for the game, who made a big impact.
"That game against Albury shows what a couple of experienced and quality players can do for a team so it certainly would be welcome to have that experience in our squad," Challacombe said.
Even if deals with Vunibaka and Rawaqa don't eventuate the Phantoms have already signed to recruits from New Zealand.
Prop Dan Patu has already arrived in town after playing grade football in Auckland and a centre from Waikato is expected to join him after Christmas.
Liam Ward remains first grade coach but Challacombe revealed the Phantoms are in discussions with an experienced coach to move into a coaching co-ordinator role.