But their prospects for the upcoming campaign appear much more promising with this week's announcement that one of the club's top junior prospects is returning to the blue and gold.

After spending nine years with the Tigers, Blattner, along with his brother Kealen, made the move north and joined Wollongong District Cricket Club - a team featuring fellow Shoalhaven products Kieran Gray, Lachlan Maddinson, Duncan Maddinson and Cooper Maddinson.

During his one-year stint with the North Dalton Park based club, Blattner was very successful, helping the club take out the Cricket Illawarra T20 title.

"I really loved my time with Wollongong - it's such a great club, with a strong culture and their professionalism was second to none," Blattner said.

"My time there helped improve my overall approach to the game, while helping break down certain aspects of my play.

"Having such a strong captain in Kieran Gray showed me how best to carry yourself on the field."

Despite all this, the 20-year-old decided to return to the club that made him into the player he is today.

"I wasn't a massive fan of the travel and after the Tigers had a tough year last season, I thought what better way to come back, start from the bottom and help rebuild the great club," he said.

The Bomaderry High School alumni, who captained the Tigers to the SDCA T20 title in 2017/18, hopes to bring professionalism, a positive attitude and desire to be successful to the role, which he hopes can lead the Bomaderry Oval based side back to finals action next season.

"Going into next year, with our young side, the main aim is to improve each and every game," he said.

"Obviously we'd like to see the club get back to where it was in the past but we know that's going to take time.

"It's an exciting time for both me and the club."