Tumut have another new face on board for their premiership defence with promising Canberra winger Connor Massen linking with the club.
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Massen will be a big boost to the Blues back line depth for the shortened 2020 season.
With Ben Roddy retired and doubts over Austin McDougall's availability, co-coach Lachlan Bristow believes Massen is just what the club needs.
"We're pretty short in the outside backs so he'll add some well-needed depth," Bristow said.
Massen will join Blues best and fairest winner Jed Pearce as travelling over from the nation's capital this season.
Pearce was originally set to play for Queanbeyan Kangaroos this season before they withdrew from what has become a four-team competition.
Workmate Massen has decided to join him.
Pearce believes the Tuggeranong Bushrangers outside back will fit in well at the club.
"We work at the same job site together and Jarrad Teka, the ex-coach of the Blues, is coach of the Bushies and spoke to him a little about him," Pearce said.
"I've heard some good stories as I have a lot of mates who play in the comp.
"He's a good young fella, he's only 20 years old but has a good personality and works pretty hard at training. From all reports he goes good so I think he'll fit in pretty well with our club."
With changing coronavirus restrictions, contact training will begin this week.
After plenty of uncertainty Bristow is pleased with how the club has responded so far.
"(Training has) been really good," Bristow said.
"The energy and excitement has been there. Everyone is looking forward to it.
"Without that green light everyone was just so uncertain but now that we've got it we're all pretty keen.
"It is just around the corner and we can't wait."
Bristow expects a tougher competition this season with clubs needing to fire early to ensure they don't miss out on a place in the top four.
The Blues are still hoping for a couple more late additions to help defend their first title in almost a decade.
"We had a couple more lined up but they've been late withdrawals," Bristow said.
"We're still talking to a couple but nothing is set in concrete.
"Hopefully we can add a couple more for depth, it always helps."
Tumut start their season with the grudge match against Gundagai at Twickenham on July 18.
The Blues scored their first win over the Tigers in 19 games after a dramatic come-from-behind in the preliminary final before a big win over Southcity in the grand final.
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