Experienced Narrandera defender Glenn Currie looks for options as co-coach Jim Rice takes out Collingullie-Ashmont-Kapooka’s Chris Gordon. Currie has committed for another season with Narrandera.
RIVERINA FOOTBALL LEAGUE
RIVERINA Football League premier Narrandera hopes to land three signatures within the next fortnight that will complete its list for its title defence.
Narrandera enjoyed its first RFL premiership in 26 years this season when it came from the elimination final to defeat Collingullie-Ashmont-Kapooka in the grand final.
The Eagles were quick to get back into pre-season training and resumed from its Christmas break last Friday with another positive turn out.
The retention of its premiership list got off to a shaky start with the departures of Tim Mathieson, Brett Powell, Zac Williams and now, Adam Sangston has also joined that list.
Narrandera is not too concerned with Canberra-based footballers Glenn Currie and Mark Rice already committed for another crack, while Kurt Masters and Jay Kickett remain undecided.
Narrandera co-coach Jim Rice is confident the Eagles will land a couple of key signings in the next fortnight.
"We're talking to a couple of guys from Albury and one from Canberra," Rice said.
"We hope to lock down those three within the next week.
"We're looking to boost the midfield a bit and add a bit of pace to try and replace the losses of Zac and Matho."
Masters played a huge part in Narrandera's mid-season resurgence and has told the Eagles it is simply a time issue, informing the club he will not play anywhere else.
Kickett was arguably the most impressive of the Canberra recruits and will play in the indigenous carnival during the pre-season before he decides whether to go around for another year.
Narrandera ruckman Phil Aumann has rejected offers from rival clubs and will remain with the Eagles to again form a lethal combination with Andrew Johnston.
Rice believes while the three recruits are important there is still a lot of improvement to come from within Narrandera's group.
"We're going to try and develop the guys that are around as well," Rice said.
"Guys like Ben Grant, he's a real asset and we're looking for him to take that next step.
"Frank Iannelli was really good for us before he got injured and he and guys like Jed Hillman will be important for us with their pace and ability to rebound."
Frank Iannelli and Mark Flack will both return from injuries for the Eagles' new campaign.
Narrandera will begin with a pre-season trial against Tuggeranong on February 2 with another hit-out to come in the Charity Shield on March 23.
