The former Kangaroos forward was considering having a year off before being approached by incoming Tigers coach Adam Perry.

Perry is more than happy to have him on board.

"He's a fairly experienced fella, he's a rep player, and he's nice and aggressive," Perry said.

"He's a good fella too and has fitted in with all the boys as well, which is good."

The 22-year-old had a rough season for the Wagga club.

He injured his shoulder playing for Riverina in the under 23s Country Championship before missing five weeks after being suspended twice at the back end of the year.

He's looking forward to a change of scenery.

"It's something different and a bit of a freshen up," Barby said.

"They are a good team, they won the comp last year, so I think it will better my footy as well."

He's also hoping his run ins with officials won't hinder the season.

Barby is the only new face at the Tigers this season however after injuring his knee in round one they will soon get the services of Cameron Woo once more.

Perry is looking forward to having Woo back in the second row as well.

"He's going pretty well and just started to do a little contact at training," he said.

"I don't think he will be too far off trying to have a game."

There has been little turnover from the team who downed Southcity in last year's grand final.

However Gundagai has been struck a blow.

Front rower Matt Henery made a big impact last year but is set to sit out the season.

"He will be a loss, he always played big minutes as well, but Joel Field has had a big pre-season and played really well in the trial," Perry said. 

"He played big minutes too so I think he will have a big year for us."

Gundagai scored a 22-4 win over Jamberoo on Saturday in the first edition of the Joey Rose Cup.

Perry was pleased with their performance and how the club reacted to the special day following Rose's death last year.

"The boys played fairly well," he said.

"It was a good first half and it probably fell away a little bit after that, but overall it was good for a first hit out.

"It was a really good occasion with a big crowd there and it was great to see so many people supporting the day."

The loss of Barby is another blow for Kangaroos who have already lost Ben Jeffery, Tristan Dickson plus Dylan and Tyson McLachlan from the team who finished eighth last year.

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