TRY-SCORING sensation Makia Sivo and Country representative Naseri Naseri have left Gundagai to link with other clubs.
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Sivo has struck a deal with NSW Cup club Mounties while Naseri will return to the Canberra Raiders Cup competition.
Both came to the club last season played instrumental parts in Gundagai’s drought-breaking premiership win over Junee.
After a stellar 2015, the Tigers were always unlikely to retain the flying Fijian due to visa requirements.
However incoming captain-coach James Smart has confirmed his departure.
The Mounties are the feeder team for the Raiders and Smart thought it was a great opportunity for the young winger.
After travelling down from Canberra each week, Naseri has elected to limit his travel this season.
He previously played with West Belconnen but signed with Queanbeyan Blues.
Besides Smart returning to coach his junior club, the Tigers have only brought in one other player this season, with Brock Dean joining with brother Blake at the club.
“With Naseri going it really opened the door to bring Brock in,” Smart said.
“I think it’s really good that he can come over and play alongside his brother as when you are playing alongside your family you get a little bit more motivation.
“Brock looks like he’s in really good nick so I am pretty excited about him coming across.”
With minimal turnover, Smart doesn’t expect any more changes from the premiers.
“That is us done,” he said.
“I’m really happy with the squad we’ve got now and just looking forward to getting stuck into training.”
The Tigers start training on January 19.
I’m really happy with the squad we’ve got now.
- Gundagai captain-coach James Smart
Smart thought it was the ideal time to start preparations for the West Wyalong Knockout.
“That will give us six weeks to prepare for West Wyalong but I’m not to sure what the makeup of the team will be,” Smart said.
“James Luff left a couple of days ago for his overseas trip, and I think he gets back a couple of days before the knockout, so he won’t play in that one but I’m sure he will get pretty of footy in the pre-season with all the rep stuff.”
Smart has also arranged a trial with Woden in Canberra on March 19.
It will be their final hitout before their premiership defence gets under way.
