McGrath returns as Tumut look to repeat dose against Gundagai

McGrath made a big impact for the Blues in his lone season with the club in 2017 before following coach Jarrad Teka to Yass and then Tuggeranong.

However he will join Bushrangers teammate Connor Massen at the club this season.

While Massen will start in the centres for the bumper clash with Gundagai at Twickenham on Saturday, McGrath is set to join fellow new face Michael Fenn by coming on the bench.

Blues co-coach Dean Bristow is pleased the young forward is on board.

"He adds to our depth nicely and really complements our forward rotation," Bristow said.

"He's a nice pick up a couple of days out from the start of the comp.

"He's been here before and knows what the club is about and is a really easy fit."

Tumut ended a 19-game losing streak, spanning nine years, when they downed Gundagai in a dramatic preliminary final on their way to the title last season.

There had been plenty near misses for the Blues but Bristow doesn't believe the side needs to prove their rare win was a fluke.

"I think we've already proven it wasn't a fluke," he said.

"It was building and hopefully we can continue on now as he have the belief in all the players.

"The onus is on us to go out and continue it."

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Bristow couldn't have imagined a bigger way to start the shortened season against their arch rivals.

However he believes the side has learnt from the 28-26 victory.

"We have to start well and go with them for 80 minutes," he said.

"That is what won us the game last year, the slow grind to get over them near the 80^th minute.

"The will be ultra determined and are strong right across the park, there is no weak link, so it will be a matter of competing for the 80 minutes.

"Hopefully we get the rub of the green and things go our way."

Gundagai have finalised their back line options with former captain-coach James Smart at fullback, Dane O'Hehir will partner Mathew Lyons in the centres, Jack Lyons and Dylan Cole are the two wingers while Tyron Gorman and the returning Derek Hay the new halves pairing.

It means Damian Willis will start on the bench as Royce Tout with Luke Berkrey pushing up into the front row.

With a number of back line losses Tumut have caused a surprise with Lewis Arragone named on the wing.

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