AFTER three premierships with Tumut, the Blues most experienced forward wants to have a crack at another Group Nine title next year.
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Powerful prop Jason Back has cleared the air on his playing future by committing to play with Tumut in 2016.
A member of the Tumut squads for a treble of grand final victories in the past 12 years, Back has admitted he is determined to help revive the fortunes of the mountain club.
“I have been through the good times and not so good times with the Blues,” Back said.
“As I am approaching the end of my playing days, I am looking forward to seeing the club return to the golden era, and to end my career on a high.”
For Back, the signing of highly-credentialed Luke Srama as captain-coach was a decisive element in the decision to extend his glittering career.
“I am confident that Luke is the right man to lead us again into a successful period,” Back said.
“There is a lot of positivity in the town at the moment.
“I am sure Luke will bring a lot of experience and professionalism to the club.
“The boys are super keen to work with him.”
In shelving retirement plans for at least another season, Back has clearly shown he wants to be on deck as the Blues strive to set the record straight.
With Back in the pack, Tumut has been the most dominant first grade team in the new millennium, including winning the Group Nine premiership in 2003, 2007, 2008 and 2010.
However, Tumut’s stocks have nosedived in recent times, with the Blues finishing 10th, 7th, 11th and 10th in the past four years.
Along the way, Back has also had his issues, notably two knee reconstructions, but he is ready to carry the load again in 2016.
This year in particular, Back was the most forthright and formidable figure as the Blues fought their way back following a winless season in 2014, picking up a swathe of club awards.
Tumut president Dan Roddy is delighted Back has agreed to be the leader of the pack next year, but also thrilled another crack local junior is staying on the books.
Blake Jones, who was signed by St George Illawarra from Tumut, returned to the Blues this year, making a favourable impression late in the season.
Jones played for the Dragons in the NRL’s under-20 competition before heading back to his home town club.
Roddy is stauch supporter of Jones and believes the potent playmaker can be valuable asset in Srama’s debut season.
“Blake is all quality,” Roddy said.
“You could see the impact he made on the team when he pulled on a jumper for us late last season.
“He has all the skills, and I am sure he will show everyone in the competition this year exactly what he is capable of.”
Significantly, Tumut is far from finished with their recruiting, signalling “outside” signings are on the threshold.
The Blues will hold a “meet and greet” with Srama on December 17, with the eventy doubling as a Christmas party for all junior and senior grades and the Tumut Old Boys.
