BUILDING momentum for Tumut’s most important recruitment campaign in years, powerful centre Callum Mulkeen has become the Blues latest key signing.
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Barely four weeks after widely-experienced Luke Srama sealed a three-year coaching deal, Mulkeen jumped on board with the progressive mountain club at the weekend.
A rangy outside back, Mulkeen was born and bred in Ireland, but has developed a quality rugby league pedigree in England.
Set to land in Tumut after Christmas, Mulkeen is thrilled at the opportunity to play alongside Srama in “one of the strongest competitions in country rugby league”.
“(I) Should be travelling over in early January,” Mulkeen reported.
“(I’m) Very excited to get started with the Blues and looking forward to the challenge.”
Boasting a 182cm and 95kg physique – he bench 130kg – Mulkeen will come to Group Nine with an impressive international resume.
The Irishman has represented his country five times in the European Championships and also played for Oxford and Gloucestershire in domestic competitions in the UK.
Tumut has labelled the signing of Mulkeen as a critical part of the club’s “strategic recruitment plan” for the long-term success of the club.
For Srama, Tumut’s deal with Mulkeen marks a milestone the Blues.
“Callum will bring a lot of professionalism to the Blues, having played at an international level for Ireland in the European Championships over the last two seasons, and also the UK League One,” Srama said.
“He is a very strong and physical player, and has been striving to improve his game.
“His move to Tumut will be a great opportunity for him to continue his development, in what is one of the strongest competitions in country rugby league”.
Srama revealed he had followed Mulkeen’s “development” for several years and believes the young centre is a gilt-edge investment for the mountain club.
Significantly, the Blues are just getting started with their rebuilding strategy.
After lacklustre 2015 season, Tumut is ready to start afresh, with plans to further “strengthen the playing roster” for next year.
“The recruitment phase expected to be completed by mid-December,” Tumut said in a press release.
The Blues are one of the proudest Group Nine clubs, but are coming out of hard times, including winning only three of their 16 games this year.
However, Tumut is taking massive strides to turn around the club’s fortunes, including the new dual role of captain-coach and development officer.
