Cootamundra are hoping an imposing new prop can help lift them off the bottom of the Group Nine ladder.
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The Bulldogs only won one game last season, but have brought in Caleb Tohovaka as they hunt for a chance to be more competitive in 2020.
The New Zealander was part of the Maori Residents representative team this year and has spent the last two seasons with Canterbury Bulls.
Cootamundra coach Aaron Byrne believes he will be a great addition for the club.
"He's a fit looking prop and is quite lean as far as front rowers go," Byrne said.
He comes with good feedback from a couple of Kiwi forwards who know what it takes to stand out in Group Nine.
Former Gundagai forward Rulon Nutira and Southcity prop Jaye Pukepuke recommended Tohovaka to the club.
"Rulon has played for him for the last two years and Jaye coached the NZ Maori Residents side that he played in this year and they've both had Group Nine experience and seem to think he would go quite well over here," Byrne said.
It was a long season for Cootamundra, who's lone win was against Temora in second last round.
At this stage Matt Forsyth is their only confirmed departure and after returning to the coaching role Byrne is hoping to build the club back up.
"We've got a get together on Friday night to touch base with all the local guys," he said.
"Hopefully we don't lose too many, can add a few and at least win a handful of games.
"We weren't too far off (last season) but just lacked a bit of direction and give up hope towards the back end of the year.
"As long as we can be competitive in most games it would be good as there is nothing worse they going out there knowing you are going to be beaten by 40 or 50 points.
"It takes the enjoyment out of the sport quite quickly."
Cootamundra are hoping to get another Kiwi recruit over the line in the coming weeks.
It's a quiet Group Nine off-season so far with Tohovaka one of the very few players announced as coming into the competition so far in 2020.
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