Ivill impressed when he made the cross-code switch in 2017 to help start the club's revival before returning to play for Tumut Bulls in the Southern Inland competition.

However the lightweight Southern Inland representative player is back with the Blues.

Co-coach Lachlan Bristow is pleased to have Ivill back.

"We're stoked," Bristow said. "He's an awesome player and an awesome guy who is going to fit right into our culture and bring that extra spark as well.

"He was a big loss for us a couple of years ago and unfortunately I didn't get to play with him but from all reports he is exactly what we need - that gamebreaker type.

"I'm pretty happy he is on board"

With former co-coach Dean Bristow retiring, fullback is an option for Ivill.

However Lachlan Bristow isn't sure how best the team will line up.

"We don't really have a plan for him yet as we have to finalise our squad first but anywhere in the backs really," he said.

"There is a vacant fullback spot at the moment.

"We can't guarantee that to anyone at the moment but it is there for the taking."

Josh Webb is another back line option who has committed to return to the club.

Webb was part of their 2019 campaign but sat out the shortened COVID season last year.

Bristow is pleased to have him back as well.

"He's very keen," he said.

A raft of local talent has recommitted as the Blues look to go one better after the minor premiers were thrashed by arch rivals Gundagai, who are also celebrating their centenary, in last year's grand final.

Among them is former best and fairest winner Jed Pearce, former premiership-winning co-coach Adam Pearce, five-eighth Jacob Toppin, centre Brayden Draber and forward Tommy Jeffery.

Connor Massen and Jake McGrath won't be back next year, and there are doubts over Michael Fenn, however Bristow is hopeful Tolo Aroha Tuinauvai will commit to another season.

They are plans in motion for more talent from Canberra heading to Tumut and Bristow hopes they can retain Lewis Arragon as well.

"We're still waiting on Lewis Arragon with his work commitments," he said.

"He has been huge for us over the past couple of years so it will be a big loss if work gets in the way but we are really hoping he is free to play for us."

Tumut are set to start the Group Nine season with a grand final rematch against Gundagai at Twickenham on April 10.

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