Jed Pearce latest Tumut premiership winner to leave club

Pearce made a massive impact in his return to the Blues last season, going on to win their best and fairest award.

His combination with Zac Masters in the front row provided a powerful one-two punch for the Blues to help secure their first Group Nine title in nine years.

However the 26-year-old won't travel back for a second season but he will remain in Canberra and rejoin Queanbeyan Kangaroos.

Tumut are only locked in for two Saturday games this season and the 25-year-old declared it was the biggest reason he hadn't committed to help the Blues defend their crown.

"The main thing is no Saturday games," Pearce said.

"If we played on Saturdays I'd be able to play then have a day to recover and drive home.

"They are a lot more convenient as you can have a beer, a bit of a presentation and not have to get up at 4.30 in the morning to go to work.

"Nearly every game in the Canberra comp is Saturdays."

Pearce was thrilled to help deliver premiership success in his first season at home since 2012.

"Winning a grand final for my home club is something I've always dreamed of," he said. "I wouldn't say the self accomplishments of getting best and fairest, as I don't really worry about, but it is more the grand final making it one I will always remember."

Tumut have now lost five players from the side who thrashed Southcity 28-4 in the grand final with Pearce joining Tom and Ben Warner, Austin McDougall and Ben Roddy as departures.

While Matthew Byatt has come on board after a season with Albury, new co-coach Lachlan Bristow admitted they've had no luck yet in bringing in too many replacements.

"(Jed) is a massive hole to fill," Bristow said.

"He's nearly irreplaceable but we're still looking."

However Bristow has backed the young Blues coming through.

"I think a few of the younger boys after that grand final experience are ready to step up and take on some senior roles within the team," he said.

"Now we know what we have to do and what level you need to be at."

The Blues spine is set to remain the same which should help the club adjust.

However after joining older brother Dean in the coaching ranks, Bristow is relieved Zac Masters had a change of heart and decided against a move to Queensland.

"Without Jeddy and his combination with Zac, the one-two punch they've got going on, we would have been in struggling a fair bit looking at the 2020 season," he said.

Tumut start their season with a clash against Kangaroos at Twickenham on April 19.

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