Tumut recruit Ron Leapai and returning Blues centre Tevita Aroha-Tuinauvai have come into the side.

After committing to a second season with Gundagai, Aisea Taholo has also earned his place as representative football returns to open age this season.

Coach Luke Berkrey is thrilled with the additions.

"We've had a few guys with things on but we've been lucky enough to bring Ron Leapai, Ace (Taholo) and big Tolo (Aroha-Tuinauvai) come in," Berkrey said.

"They are some very handy inclusions."

The changes come after a number of players have clashes with the two fixtures.

Leapai comes to the region with a big reputation after impressing in the under 23s representative stage, which had been the format until the Country Championships reverted back to open age this year.

Berkrey believes the new faces provide plenty of options.

"It's some size," he said.

"Tolo and Ron are really big boys and while Ace isn't as big he's got those beautiful feet.

"I'm really excited that after losing some quality players with them unavailable for certain games to be able to bring in three blokes like that shows where the comp is at at the moment."

Jack Lyons and Kodie Charles have come out of the original 20-strong squad named last month.

It leaves five players from Group 20 with the bulk of the squad coming from Group Nine clubs.

However the last three Weissel Medal winners and the reigning Group 20 player of the year are among the faces.

Group Nine grand finalists Gundagai and Tumut dominate the squad and Taholo is now one of eight Tigers in the side.

The two newcomers from Tumut see four Blues set to take part.

Kyle McCarthy and Cody Hodge will represent Southcity with no other Group Nine club represented.

Berkrey is confident they have a strong side despite two tough away fixtures.

Riverina will have training runs in Wagga on the 13^th and 20^th before their first clash against Macarthur Wests Tigers at Camden on February 28.

Then they take on Illawarra-South Coast on March 7.