KANGAROOS have been rocked by the departure of star hooker Glenn Dumbrell.

Dumbrell will return to his junior club Yanco-Wamoon in 2015 and take up an assistant coaching role.

After two seasons in Wagga, Dumbrell established himself as one of the best players in the region

Finishing second to Lou Goodwin in the Weissel Medal count last season, Dumbrell was going to play a big role for the Kangaroos before his shock departure.

Coach Adam Hall has been surprised by the news and fears he will also have to find a replacement for prop Troy Dumbrell after he was linked to follow his twin brother to the Hawks.

"It's a ridiculously big loss," Hall said.

"And Troy will probably go too and it's hard enough to find front rowers in September let alone January."

Dumbrell spoke with Hall earlier this week, but his departure leaves a massive hole in the Roos' plans this season.

"It's a big loss but that's where he played under 18s and I don't really know what to make of it," Hall said.

"I don't think he was unhappy or anything but the deal they offered him was the right deal at the right time."

Dumbrell told The Area News that the move back to Yanco-Wamoon from the Bidgee Hurricanes this season was the catalyst for the move.

"It's good to be back," Dumbrell said.

"I didn't know much about the Bidgee set-up, but it's good to see that Yanco-Wamoon is back up and running.

"It was a great club."

Dumbrell is also looking forward to the assistant coaching position under Simon Watson.

Hall is still hoping Troy will remain with the club but Hall has anointed junior Zac Graham to fill the hooker role to start the season.

"It's his second year out of 18s so he will be better for last year and is a really good kid," Hall said.

"He has a lot to learn but I think he's very capable and has far as prop goes we will definitely be on the look out as Troy is very hard to replace as well."