THE Aberdeen Tigers are set to roar long and loud in 2017, thanks to two major signings.
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After a breakthrough season in Hunter Valley Group 21, in which the first grade side fell one game short of a grand final berth, the club has boosted its playing stocks with the addition of Country representative Josh Schmiedel and East Campbelltown’s Guy Thompson.
Tigers president Les Horvath was buoyant about the latest acquisitions.
“Josh, a back-rower, spent seven years in the Newcastle Rugby League and played in two deciders for the Macquarie Scorpions,” he said.
“Guy, a prop, came through the Wests Tigers system, and ran out with their under-20s alongside the likes of James Tedesco, Luke Brooks and David Nofoaluma.
“They’re a couple of good signings – and a massive boost to our forward pack.
“We were a bit lacklustre in that department [towards the end of the year].
“We’ve also lost Alex McMillan, so Josh isn’t a bad replacement.
“Plus, it’s been a long time since the Tigers, 1988 in fact, had a Country rep in our ranks.”
Horvath admitted news of the new arrivals had been well-received in Aberdeen.
“Everyone’s talking about him [Josh],” he said.
“The town’s upbeat at the moment – and quality players attract other quality players.
“Our forwards did a great job in 2016 but Scone beat us up the middle [in the preliminary final].
“We needed to fix it.
“Josh and Guy are here to rectify that – and help the club for the future.”
Meanwhile, Aberdeen will play host to two junior showdowns at McKinnon Field on Saturday.
The Newcastle Chargers and Greater Northern Tigers are scheduled to lock horns in under-16 and under-18 fixtures from 11am.