The Blues have signed Englishman Kieran Sherratt, who will arrive in town from the Wigan junior system.

The 20-year-old is a previous member of the Great Britain Academy and Tumut president Dan Roddy believes he will be a good fit in the forward pack.

“He’s coming from a professional background and we have done our homework on him,” Roddy said.

“I think he will be really good for us.

“He’s got a high work rate, very good with the ball and can play up front or in the back row.

“There is a couple guys we’ve lost in that area so he will be a really good addition to the squad.”

The second rower will be a good replacement for Zac Masters, who has left the club as he chases his NRL dream.

Masters has joined the Parramatta under 20 squad and Roddy is excited for his opportunity.

“I hope he goes really well,” he said.

“He’s very dedicated, that’s for sure, he’s a big boy, he’s well put together and has all the skills as well.”

The Blues have also released Joe Ioane-Toetu to Brothers while centre TJ Sale told the club this week that he has decided to concentrate on rugby union, after trying to combine playing for the Blues and Tumut Bulls in Southern Inland last season.

Plans are for Sherratt and Irish international Callum Mulkeen to arrive in late January or early February.

Sherratt’s signing comes days after Tumut veteran Jason Back recommitted to the club.

Roddy is still hopeful the Blues can secure some more players before the end of the year.

“We are still in negations with another couple of players but in terms of our recruitment we want that all finalised before Christmas,” he said. “We want everything planned out then get to work.”

The Blues won’t start pre-season training until the new year but will have a combined meet and greet with incoming coach Luke Srama and club Christmas party on December 17.

Srama is also expected to move to Tumut in January.