ALBURY Thunder has silenced its critics by signing NSW Country Bulls representative forward Andrew Smith.
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After being written off as a force this year following the departure of key players from last season’s Group 9 premiership team, the Thunder has struck back with a huge recruiting coup.
Smith captained Group 2 powerhouse Coffs Harbour last season and will replace Lou Goodwin at lock.
“I played with ‘Smithy’ for NSW Country in Perth and he’s a tough player,” coach Ben Jeffery said yesterday.
“He’s quality. Lou’s a really big loss but Andrew Smith is as good a replacement as you’ll get.
“He’ll play 80 minutes for us.”
Smith arrived on the Border yesterday and will play alongside Andrew Cowhan, Jon Huggett and Joe Silifau in the forwards, while speculation is rife former coach Josh Cale could be making a comeback.
Like Jeffery, Smith started his career in Group 20 playing with Leeton and Yanco- Wamoon.
Smith’s arrival is an ominous warning for rival clubs who were expecting at big drop-off at Greenfield Park following the departure of Goodwin, Mitch Davis, Willie Heta and Jake Grace.
But Jeffery continues to add missing pieces to his jigsaw with Trenton King (Tulligbigeal-Lakes United), Alex Romayne (Lake Cargelligo) and Roy McMahon (Port Stephens Sharks) on board.
Jeffery said there was a good vibe at Thunder.
“It’s going well,” he said.
“‘Smithy’ is big for us and we will see how we go in the West Wyalong Knockout.”
After several years of domination by Albury Thunder and Southcity, the competition is expected to even out with Gundagai, Cootamundra and Temora the biggest movers over the off-season.
The Thunder will launch their premiership defence against Cootamundra at Greenfield Park on April 12.