Looking to go one better after a narrow loss to Leeton in last year’s Southern Inland grand final, the Wagga club have been buoyed by the return of the Scottish number eight.

Eaglesham made a big impact in his two seasons with the club where his powerful running game was a key for the club before injury curtailed his the end to the 2014 season.

He capped off by being named the competition’s best player that season and hasn’t played in Australia since.

After travelling and playing in New Zealand and then in his native Scotland, Eaglesham is looking to move back to the city.

New coach Richard Skellern wasn’t at Waratahs when Eaglesham was there, but is looking forward to having him on board.

“I’ve never coached Jake, I was at Junee when he played, but I’ve seen him play and from all accounts he’s a very talented footballer,” Skellern said.

“It is a great to have him back.”

Adding to the Scottish flavour at the club, Rory Bonner has joined his brother Euan at Waratahs.

A five-eighth, Skellern is looking forward to seeing how he transitions into the team after playing in New Zealand last season and will add to the club’s depth.

“He’s a very good footballer and has got some very good skills,” he said.

“It will be interesting to see how he goes in the trials.”

Continuing to build their links with Kapooka, Blake Hart is one of Waratahs new recruits from the defence forces.

He’s played with the Australian Defence Force and has impressed plenty at training so far, including Skellern.

“He’s quite a talent,” he said.

Waratahs have also attracted James Grimmett from Southern Inland rivals Ag College.

Grimmett missed most of last season with an Achilles tendon injury but has played plenty of representative football.

Skellern believes he will be a good addition to the club.

“He’s an exceptionally good footballer who has played rep under me,” he said.

“He’s knows exactly what he is doing and is a good pick up from Aggies but is nursing a couple of injuries still.

“We have to make sure we can help him get to his full potential, get on the park and back into rugby.”

In am ominous sign for their rivals, Waratahs have retained the majority of their squad from last season.

Young halfback Tom Hallam has moved to Canberra and Joe Mullany has moved away from work.

Skellern believes it leaves the club in a strong position.

“It is good to have most of the side back,” he said.

“We haven’t lost a lot from last year which is pretty exciting.”

Waratahs have a ready made replacement for Hallam, with representative player Sam Hobbs back with the club after taking a year off.