In a big boost for Gundagai, the star lock has decided to end his retirement.

After being named Group Nine’s best player in 2016, Eccleston called it quits after one game last season.

However the 34-year has rediscovered his passion for the game after returning for pre-season training.

“When I started training I wanted to see how the body goes and said if I feel good after the off-season I’d be keen to have another run,” Eccleston said.

“It started off just as a thing to get fit, but I still have a love for it.”

A change with both work and family commitments also helped make the decision.

Despite missing out on Gundagai’s run to the grand final he has no regrets on his decision to call time.

However the year off has given his body time to recover and Eccleston is ready for another big season.

“I still don’t regret my decision last year,” he said.

“It was what I had to do at the time.”

Eccleston put in a strong performance in the Tigers trial wins against Jamberoo and Forrestville on Saturday.

He was also pleased by how his body has come through.

Captain-coach James Smart was thrilled to have Eccleston back on board.

He was also pleased with the Tigers efforts in Sydney.

"It's a long drive down to Manly so to come away with good results, play good games and have no injuries is what you want out of a trial," Smart said. "Everything was really pleasing.

"There is a few new combinations there so it was great to see some players in different positions went very well."

Among those to impress was rugby union convert James Curgenven.

After a short-lived attempt at league with Tumut last season before returning to play for Wagga City.

However in the centres this time around, the Englishman looked much more at home.

"James Curgenven was really good," Smart said.

"He defended really strong but also in attack he added plenty."

Tyron Gorman also impressed in the halves.

The three-way trial is the only pre-season hit out for the Tigers.

They elected not to defend their two straight titles at the West Wyalong Knockout and are now focusing on looking to go one better in 2018 after falling to Southcity in the grand final.

The Tigers tackle Cootamundra to start the season on April 15.

The last three winners of the Weissel Medal could line up for Gundagai this season with James Luff expected to join Eccleston and Smart in the team when he returns from a knee injury midway through the season.