He gave the Cowra Magpies’ faithful nightmares in the wake of the 2014 Group 10 grand final, now premiership-winning hooker Benjamin John will be cheered at Sid Kallas Oval.
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John agreed to terms on Saturday, linking with the Magpies from Bathurst St Pat’s, as Cowra continues a flurry of signings to end 2017.
John led St Pat’s to grand final glory against Cowra Magpies three years ago, scoring a hat-trick of tries and claiming the Dave Scott Medal, awarded to player of the match.
“I’ve watched him play in two grand finals,” Cowra Magpies coach Steve Sutton said.
“One was when he was at Parkes in 2010 I think and he scored three tries and Parkes beat Wellington at Dubbo. And the other one, well, we all know he did the same thing in 2014 for Pat’s.
“I’m hoping he can do it in 2018 in the black and white.”
The Magpies made contact with John last week.
“He’s agreed to terms and he’s really keen,” Sutton said.
“I’ve had a bit of a chat to him and he won’t have to change the way he plays. We should have three big boppers to get the go forward which will allow him to get out of dummy half and do what he does best. He plays what’s in front of him.”
John’s signature comes after the Magpies inked deals with former Blayney Bears Will Ingram and Josh Rainbow, and Bathurst Panther Joe Bugg in recent weeks.
John won the 2015 Group 10 player of the year gong.
The Magpies are also closing in on a deal with Papau New Guinea forward Nixon Kolo Koragen, who has been playing in the PNG Digicel Cup.
“Things are certainly looking positive,” Sutton said.
