WAGGA Tigers’ premiership defence has received a significant boost by the signing of experienced Western Australian ruckman Simon Hallsworth.
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Tigers’ number one priority for the off-season has been to find a replacement for outgoing ruckman Brad Graham and Hallsworth’s signing has ticked that box.
Hallsworth only played a handful of games last season with Eastern Football League club East Ringwood after moving to Melbourne from Western Australia.
The 29-year-old will travel from Melbourne each week to link with Tigers and captain-coach Shaun Campbell is delighted with their latest addition.
“We just needed another big bloke and mature body,” Campbell said.
“We’ve lost a few mature bodies and we definitely needed a ruckman with Brad (Graham) gone.
“Big blokes are worth their weight in gold so we’re happy to have him on board. Just as a mature head and for a bit of leadership.”
Hallsworth has experience at state league level after playing with Swan Districts in the West Australian Football League (WAFL).
He went on to play for a number of country clubs in Western Australia before moving to Melbourne last season.
Hallsworth was put in touch with Tigers through departing premiership player Jesse Manton, who he played with at Swan Districts.
“He’ll be travelling up for the vast majority of games,” Campbell said.
The signing of Hallsworth is a much-needed boost for Tigers, who have lost seven premiership players since their grand final success in September.
Dale Walker, John Anstee, Shaun Flanigan, Jackson Kelly, Brady Morton, Graham and Manton have all moved on.
Tigers have been able to add former North Wagga coach Nathan Dowdle, and now Hallsworth. They have also welcomed on board former US college punter Ned Balme, who has moved to the city for work.
Tigers have re-commenced pre-season training but do not begin their flag defence until April 29, due to the round one bye.