Tumbarumba’s chances of getting off the bottom of the Group Nine ladder have been boosted by a mid-season signing.
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The Greens are yet to win a game this year, but have picked up former Cessnock player Simione Maamaloa.
Coming from the strong Newcastle competition, Tumbarumba captain-coach Robbie Byatt is thrilled to have the versatile New Zealander on board.
“From the videos I've seen of him he looks to good pretty good,” Byatt said.
“It is a strong comp up there as well.”
He’s looking to move him into the front row.
Maamaloa’s friendship with new Greens hooker Numiasasulu Tema is another reason he’s decided to make the switch.
Set to arrive on Friday, Maamaloa has been named to start on the bench against Brothers at Tumbarumba Showground on Sunday.
However it isn’t all good news for the Greens.
They’ve already lost one of their New Zealand recruits, Phaebian Antonio, who has returned home.
Byatt’s brother Matt is also heading back to England and the clash with Brothers could be his last game.
Having two front rowers depart is one of the main reasons the Greens are looking to use Maamaloa up front, but he can also slot into lock and even played on the wing for the Goannas.
Narrow losses has been a disappointing hallmark for Tumbarumba this year.
They’ve finished within six points of teams on three occasions this season, plus had a draw with Cootamundra, but are yet to breakthrough.
Byatt is looking to find a way to put in a full performance to get a much needed win on the board.
He doesn’t believe a win is far off.
“We’re back at home again are we are improving every week,” he said. “We just need to get over the line.
“We aren’t finishing our games off, we seem to get in front and then are always trying to chase the win and doing stupid stuff when it doesn;t need to be done.”
Brothers sit in ninth, two places above the Greens, but have only won two more games and Byatt believes his team can come out on top.