It's been a good start to 2015 for the Cowra Magpies with two major signings locked in for this year's Group 10 season, Hayden Tidswell and Toi Sepuloni.
Subscribe now for unlimited access.
$0/
(min cost $0)
or signup to continue reading
Tidswell, who has been a regular in representative rugby union teams in recent years, last donned the black white in 2013 after a stint playing rugby in the Netherlands.
Last year, the Cowra local joined the Bathurst Bulldogs in the Blowes Clothing Cup, where he went on to represent the Country Cockatoos, but this season he will return home where he will potentially play alongside brother Blake in the front-row.
"He hasn't missed a training run, he rang me and told me to bring the papers before our first run," Cowra premier league coach Steve Sutton said.
"It's really good to have him on board, we had a good honest forward pack last year but we didn't have that giant - he'll bring a real physical presence.
"I'll probably start him on the bench early in the season, he's a proven rugby union player but he'll take time to get used to running the rugby league lines again," Sutton said.
The Magpies have also filled one gap left in the halves by Tim Holman and Jeremy Gordon with Toi Sepuloni from Haswell in New Zealand.
Sepuloni is a highly regarded five eighth who was instrumental in the halves for his club, the Haswell Hornets, and while representing Canterbury Bulls in the National Premiership competition, both of which won their respective titles.
"He reminds me a lot of Clemo [Greg Clements, former Cowra Magpie] in his day, he's got a real steady game.
"He can kick long and passes well and he is a great goal kicker which did let us down at times last year.
"We just need to get him out here now, he's as keen as mustard, if there are any potential employers out there that want to help the club let myself or the club know."
Both Sepuloni and Tidswell are high caliber signings which come as a great relief for the club after four starters from last season's grand final team - Tim Holman, Jeremy Gordon, KJ Wood and Will Ingram - all committed to other clubs before 2015.
"Hopefully we can get another forward but ideally another half, there is still a few feelers out there but nothing that is a certainty," Sutton said.
It's looking likely that Jack Nobes will slot into the number seven and 2013 first division player of the year, Dan McGann play hooker while Cowra junior Carl Planicka departs to join the Young Cherrypickers.
The clubs first hit out will be the Bathurst knockout on March 21 before the premier league and reserve grade teams travel to Kiama for a trial the following week prior to round one on April 12.
Girls league tag will train at 6pm tonight at River Park, coach Brendan Tidswell invites all new players, while the men continue training at the same venue on Tuesdays and Thursdays at 6pm all new players welcome.
