Krautz, who has been named Southern Inland's best for the past two seasons, linked with CSU in the COVID shortened season.

The 30-year-old was set to line up for the Reddies again in 2021 before a new job changed his plans.

Now he'll line up for the Steamers as they look to return to the first grade fold.

"The Reddies are heading in the right direction and it was good to be part of it in the short term but Albury has always been home," Krautz said. "I think I can contribute a lot more to my local club being in the area.

"A lot of circumstances have changed, I've started a new job here and want to be close to family as well.

"Rugby takes a lot away from your life and if it can spend it with your family in the local area it is almost all worth it."

The loss is a big blow for CSU, who made big improvements with a boast of numbers last year.

However Krautz is confident the club is headed in the right direction.

"I think Reddies should be fine this year," he said.

"They were heading in a good direction, they should have plenty of numbers and be extremely competitive."

Albury made it through to the second grade grand final after electing not to field a first grade outfit.

Border restrictions could again impact the club but Krautz is hopeful the Steamers can get back to playing in the top grade.

"The whole coronavirus thing may carry on for 2021 but we'll have to see how it unfolds in NSW and what restrictions are imposed on local events.

"It may be a similar year to 2020 but I hope everything moves forward and we get the right numbers, the right attitude and start moving in the right direction."

Krautz has also joined Southern Inland's board.

It is a rare move for a player, but Krautz is hoping to add a new perspective to how the competition is run.

"You've got all the outsiders looking in observing but having an insider actually on the field witnessing everything first hand it is good to have that perspective and to take that into consideration for decisions," he said.

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