Gundagai has been boosted by news barnstorming front rower Vincent Brown won't be lost to the club.
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Brown is a big presence in the middle of the Tigers pack and will return to give opposition plenty of headaches.
Gundagai secretary Martin Hay had announced Brown was stepping away from football to deal with an ongoing neck issue before he signed a deal with Woden.
However he’s backflipped again and will return for his fourth season at the club.
Since joining the club midway through the 2014 season, Brown has been travelling to train and play from Canberra.
That is all set to change and he’s moving his young family to Gundagai.
Hay said a change of employment was the catalyst for another change of heart.
He believes Brown’s return will make the Tigers a stronger unit in 2017.
“He’s going to work in the town and we are really thrilled about that,” Hay said.
“He is a great footballer and we will welcome he and (wife) Bree back to our town with welcome arms.
He is a damaging front rower and not only a great footballer but he is a great person.
- Gundagai's Martin Hay
“He is a damaging front rower and not only a great footballer but he is a great person.
“He’ll fit into the town with no troubles at all.”
The Tigers started their pre-season training on Monday night as they look to go one better this season.
While Brown is back on board and the Tigers have added Luke Berkrey and Noa Fotu to their list, there is still question marks over number of key personnel following the grand final loss to Southcity.
Reigning Weissel Medallist Brett Eccleston and veteran centre Mat Rose are yet to indicate whether they will be playing again this season.
Hay is willing to give the pair plenty of time before deciding on their playing futures.