Tumut's premiership defence has been dealt another massive blow with Zac Masters making a move to the Queensland Cup.
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The former Weissel Medal winner is the latest Blues star to depart following their big Group Nine grand final victory over Southcity in September.
However the chance to take him game to another level was too tempting for the 22-year-old.
"It was too good of an opportunity to pass up," Masters said. "At this stage I'm lucky enough to have come home and won a premiership with my best mates, and I've had a really good time in Tumut, but I've still got another opportunity to have another crack at the dream while I still can."
Masters has been with two NRL clubs and still harbours desires to see where his football can take him.
"I'd like to make something with football and maybe one day get a NRL contract," he said.
"I'll play it by ear and see how it goes as there is a lot of water to pass under the bridge, but if I'm up there then at least I've got a better shot at doing that.
"I can never say what if."
Masters has linked with Easts Tigers and leaves to join the Brisbane club next week.
It isn't the first time Masters, who has been selected for Country under 23s for the past two seasons, has left Tumut searching for bigger opportunities in rugby league.
However he's struggled living away from the close knit community but knows he's better prepared this time around.
"It will still be hard to leave all my mates and my hometown as I love Tumut and love playing for the Blues, but I think I've realised that as fun as it has been being home deep down I still have that drive and still want to go that little further with my footy," Masters said.
"There will be tough days missing out on things at home but I'm sure I can get through that now that I'm a little bit older and wiser."
His departure is another serious hit for Tumut after their first premiership, and grand final appearance, in nine years.
The Blues are yet to lock in their coaching set up for 2020, and are the only Group Nine club yet to do so, however they've now lost Masters plus Tom and Ben Warner, who have linked with Nyngan.
Ben Roddy announced before the grand final the game would be his last while there are also doubts over best and fairest winner Jed Pearce along with former co-coach Adam Pearce.
Masters admitted the premiership success has taken some of the pressure off the move but he is confident there is plenty of potential coming through the Blues ranks as well.
"Winning the comp has made it a lot easier," he said.
"It feels like we've accomplished something great, we've done and job and it takes that pressure off.
"You're not trying to do it for your hometown as much as we've done it now."
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