Rugby league
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NEEDING to rekindle his pleasure at playing rugby league, star Brothers forward Blake Dunn has become the jewel in the crown of Gundagai's expansive Group Nine recruitment drive.
After five superb years with the Brethren, Dunn described Gundagai as the "best fit" for his plan to make a "fresh start" to his career.
"It's probably been in the last few weeks that I've become self-reflective," Dunn said yesterday.
"I realised I wasn't enjoying my football the way I should.
"I wasn't getting the results I wanted I wasn't leading the club to where I wanted it be."
Reacting to his feelings, Dunn took the momentous decision at the weekend to end an association with Brothers that started as a 21-year-old captain-coach in 2009.
Now 26, Dunn's move to Gundagai has delivered the Tigers their most prized recruit of a hectic off-season.
With Dunn jumping on board alongside Naseri Naseri, Moahoni Lelei and Tyron Gorman, the Tigers have more than compensated for the loss of last season's sensation Rulon Nutira.
For Dunn, choosing Gundagai over "other options" was the hardest call of his football life.
"It was a tough move," Dunn said yesterday.
"Brothers are a great football club with great people.
"I feel fortunate to have been able to coach at the club, and to play there for five years.
"They were the best bunch to be around.
"I feel privileged to have been a part of it."
Originally from Forbes, Blake Dunn linked with the Wagga club in the wake of Craig Field's departure.
Dunn coached the Brethren for three years before staying with club in purely a playing role for another fruitless two years.
In the process, Dunn built an impressive football resume, including making the Group Nine Team of the Year for five straight seasons.
However, this year in particular, Dunn was forced to almost abandon his ball-playing gifts to carry a massive load in defence.
“In a way I suppose I wasn’t able to play my natural game,” he said.
"That’s what is so exciting about going to Gundagai.
“It will be a chance to prove myself to the club, and the committee.”
Dunn, who will leave Brothers with a legacy of 74 first appearances, admits the Tigers were not an automatic choice.
“I considered other options, but Gundagai was the best fit,” he said.
“I’m really looking forward to playing under Cameron Woo.
“He had a great year (as coach) with Gundagai this year, and is a great bloke.”
Significantly, Dunn will not have long to wait to play for the Tigers against his former club.
Brothers and Gundagai are among five Group Nine teams already in the field for the West Wyalong Knockout in February.