Some of their most experienced footballers won’t be back as the club looks to claim a title repeat in Southern Inland for the first time in almost a decade.

Forwards Jock Munro and James Daley, outside centre Matt Shortis and playmakers Xavier Chigwidden and Sam Hobbs have all hung up the boots following the 52-14 win over Ag College in August.

Representative player Austin Wallace has also moved on while speedster Corey Toole is looking to progress his career in Canberra.

New co-coach Michael Davis admitted the experience will be hard to replace.

“There’s probably half a dozen who have left, some are showing a little interest but time will tell,” Davis said.

He believes the retirements allow for those playing second grade last year, who also went through the season undefeated, to step up to the mark.

“It will give guys who played second grade last year an opportunity, which they were looking for last year,” Davis said.

However it’s not all bad news for the Wagga club.

Captain Tim Corcoran has shelved retirement plans and will play on in 2019 while Dan Selmes and Charlie Sykes have also committed to another season.

Waratahs also have a couple of new faces.

Callum Ramm has added to the club’s Scottish contingent.

Linking with the club through Jake Eaglesham, Ramm is set to find a place in the Tahs back line.

They’ve also picked up Patrick Logan from Wollongong.

Coming to Wagga for work, Logan will vie for a playmaking role.

Davis thought both looked promising after the club started training last week.

“Some of these new guys, who after two training sessions you can’t tell much, but there is a couple who look like they have a fair bit of talent,” he said.

Waratahs get their premiership defence under way against crosstown rivals Wagga City at Connolly Rugby Complex on April 6.

The grand final rematch is in round three, also at Connolly.

Tahs were the last club to win two titles in a row with wins over Ag College in 2010 and 2011.

It will be a new-look season with two extra rounds added in at the start before the usual home and away draw.

There is also one less week of finals with only the top four teams to progress to the next stage.

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