Days out from the start of the Group Nine season, the Diesels have unveiled New Zealand import Afatasi Collins.

After losing Peter Little, Will Merritt, Patrick Sagigi and Connor McCauley to Brothers as well as Clifford Morris to Kangaroos, Diesels captain-coach Matt Hands was thrilled to buck the trend and secure the late signing.

“We were very picky this year with the players coming into the club, we waited until the last minute, so hopefully we’ve found one that fits what we are trying to do this year,” Hands said.

“Hopefully it will spark a bit more interest around the place about us rather than just losing, losing, losing players, which it has been so far.

Collins played for Auckland powerhouse Mt Albert.

After looking to broaden his horizons Hands expects him to slot into lock.

“He’s a mix between hooker and lock so we will probably play lock,” Hands said.

“He’s a bit of utility, but once we get him to training we will see where we fit in.

“He comes up with a good footballing background and is still only reasonably young.”

Hands expects the 23-year-old will make a big impact for the Diesels.

Concerned about a lack of size in the forward pack, Hands is also hoping to lock in a few more signings before the start of the season.

After falling in last year’s preliminary final, Junee starts their 2017 campaign against Cootamundra at Laurie Daley Oval on Sunday.