Wagga City’s hopes of an elusive premiership have taken a hit months before the Southern Inland season.
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The Boiled Lollies have finished in the top three in the last two seasons, but could be hard pressed to repeat that in 2018 as they prepare for a big player turnover.
Representative playmaker Jayden Stanton leads the list after moving to Canberra for work.
Wagga City official Darren Rudd confirmed the five-eighth had relocated.
“He’s already moved and had a transfer to Canberra,” Rudd said.
His creativity will be a big loss for Wagga City.
Stanton is joined by winger Vili Cavuca who has also left town.
With Monson Tuivale and Keifer Power showing an interest at Group Nine club Brothers, the list continues to grow.
Doubts also remain over star halfback Stuart Dyer.
Dyer badly damaged his knee last season and after undergoing surgery is yet to commit to his second season with the club.
There is also talk of more cross code moves as well as a forward linking with Ag College.
However Rudd did not buy into all the speculation.
“We will see what happens when the season comes around,” he said.
“There are certainly a few names being said but as with these things there are always rumours and a few of those names won’t come to fruition.”
The club are still searching for a new coach after Michael Kanck stepped down following the preliminary final loss to Waratahs.
Kanck was a late replacement for Nathan Honeyman last season, but could not quite replicate the run to the 2015 grand final.
Rudd expects a replacement to be announced shortly.
It could be confirmed at the club’s annual general meeting next week.
“Once the coaching staff gets announced and the picture gets drawn for what is going to happen next year then we will be locking in what is going to be the picture,” Rudd said.
While recruiting has been suggested, the club is also confident they have plenty of depth.
They won the second grade premiership last season which will give them a few solid options.
“There is certainly a bit of movement there for sure but having said, and not discounting the loss of them, we also have a second grade team who won a premiership last year,” Rudd said.
“There is depth in the club so we aren’t overly concerned. We are looking to do some recruiting in the off-season, but that won’t happen until we get the coaching staff announced.”
