Junee has put an end to the rumours two key forwards will be making a switch to a rival Group Nine club.
The rumour mill was abuzz that Patrick Sagigi and Clifford Morris were set to leave the Diesels however captain-coach Matt Hands has poured water on the suggestion they were on the way out.
Confirming they pair have re-signed with the grand finalists, Hands is looking for the two big men to lead the Diesels’ charge in 2016.
“We tried to lock up everyone as quick as we could,” Hands said.
“There was talk a few of the other clubs were chasing them but it was good to have them back again.”
After joining the club last season, Morris played one of his best games for the club in the grand final loss to Gundagai while Sagigi’s presence in the middle lays a solid platform.
The club had already announced Hands would return as captain-coach before the season was over and confirmed the re-signing former Southcity pair Peter Little and Will Merritt so the latest additions is another big step.
While they were busy on the recruitment front last season, the Diesels aren’t expected to be as prolific this time.
Hands expects the retain the majority of their side from last season as they look to go one better.
“We are hoping all the local boys will play again are looking to have a pretty similar squad next year,” he said.
“It will nice to not having to go chasing around.”
However Junee are still looking to secure another forward which will take some of the pressure off Sagigi in the front row.
“We would like to add a little bit more size to the side but we will have to wait and see what happens there,” Hands said.
While Hands isn’t anticipating a lot of change to the team, he expects to be without two young guns.
Cameron Hands and Connor McCauley have both been linked with NRL teams as they look to make it in Sydney.
McCauley has ties with St George Illawarra while the younger of the Hands brothers is heading to South Sydney.
“Those two boys are down there for a trial in the pre-season and it doesn’t look like we will get them back next year,” Hands said.
“If they do well in the pre-season trial they will be signed up after that.”
