GROWING up as passionate Cowra Magpie Lee McClintock learned to view Group 10 rivals St Pat's as a hostile foe, but come season 2020, the talented back will form part of the blue and white army.
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Having relocated to Bathurst for work, McClintock opted to switch clubs and the Saints were keen to have the renowned speedster on their playing roster.
While McClintock admits it currently feels odd to be in blue and white instead of the Magpies' black and white, he is looking forward to playing behind what is shaping up to be a formidable forward pack.
They've been awesome Cowra, they would have loved to have me there but they're not angry I left. They knew I had to put me first.
- Magpie-turned-Saint Lee McClintock
As well as player captain Zac Merritt keen to led by example, former Saints juniors Luke Single and James Baillie have returned to strength the engine room.
"It will be different playing with them now rather than against them, but there was always that rivalry, Cowra verses Pat's. We were always taught not to to like them, now I'm going to join them," McClintock said.
"There's are a couple of little things that needed to change in their side from last year and I think they've gone in the right direction, so it will be good to see how we are looking come the first round.
Creating something from the back is a quality that McClintock is certainly known for.
After spending nine seasons in the Newcastle competition and playing just under 150 games for Lakes United Seagulls, McClintock returned to his junior club Cowra for the 2018 Group 10 premier league season.
Since then he's not only been one of the Magpies' best, but one of the best backs in Group 10 as he has shone at both fullback and in the centres. He's happy to fill either role for the Saints.
"At Lakes and at Cowra, it's been pretty much 50-50 over the last 10 years between fullback and centre. I just jump between the two of them wherever I'm needed," he said.
"Defence is usually pretty strong, so I'm handy in centres, but then attack is alright so I'm handy at the back. I'll just go where I'm told."
As for the prospect of lining up against Cowra in Cowra, McClintock is already excited by the prospect.
"I'm expecting a few shots from the boys, but it will be good. I'm looking forward to getting out to Sid Kallas and lining up against them," he said.
"They've been awesome Cowra, they would have loved to have me there but they're not angry I left. They knew I had to put me first."
McClintock isn't the only player to leave Cowra, with Claude Gordon leaving the Magpies to go to Dubbo CYMS.
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