Hands led the club for three seasons, including taking the Diesels to the 2015 grand final in his first season at the helm where they narrowly missed out on their first title since a Laurie Daley inspired premiership in 1986.

Injuries have limited him on the field, especially in the last two seasons, but his experience will be a loss to the side looking for a finals return this year.

Hands has moved away for an employment opportunity.

Coming off a finals appearance, the Diesels struggled with injury problems in 2019 and finished in ninth with four wins and 14 losses to their credit.

However they've heavily recruited heavily as they look to rise back up the ladder.

Eddie Tagicakibau, Jone Sariri, Atueta Giuvalu, Bill Rakul, Seva Nabetelevu and Kiti Rasotale have all come over from Fiji after securing work in town.

Former Papua New Guinean international Thompson Teteh will also join the Diesels this season.

He was set to link with the club two years ago before a change of heart, but after a year in England with Featherstone Rovers is expected to arrive before the season starts.

Adding to their strong Fijian flavour former Young playmaker Kelepi Komaisavou has also made the switch after joining the Cherrypickers last year.

Diesels president Simon Vanzanten indicated more newcomers could be on the way.

"The abattoirs have put on 30 for work and after we hand picked the first six we think we will get one or two more next month," Vanzanten said.

Vanzanten hopes the added depth this season can help the club towards a more self-sufficient future with strong numbers making their way through the junior league.

"They are here just for work but it may strength our depth in first and reserve grade until or under 16s come through," he said.

Hands joins Hayden Diggins, who was second in the 2018 Weissel Medal count, in leaving their hometown club.

Both have relocated to the South Coast.

Ritchie Herangi is another departure while Tristan Dixon and Will Merritt are also not expected to line up in the blue and gold this season.

The Diesels are yet to confirm their pre-season plans but could be facing off against Moruya, where Diggins has been installed as captain-coach in early March.

Vanzanten is also looking to have a trial on April 4 due to the later start this season.

"We've got Easter before we start so we thought it would be good to have our last full hit out before Easter," he said.

Junee start their season with a clash against Gundagai at Laurie Daley Oval on April 19.

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