ALBURY Thunder has abandoned plans to secure Mackay Cutters star Buchanan Izzy Rawhiti.
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After being close to luring the huge centre to the Border, Rawhiti was struck down with a serious ankle injury and will be sidelined for several months.
“He’s out for a few months so it looks like we won’t get him this year,” Jeffery said.
“Hopefully we can get him down next year
“It's very disappointing as we were excited about getting him.
“He was all done and ready to go.”
Rawhiti, who is good friends with Thunder player Shannon Rupapere, was set to play in the centres which would have allowed the dangerous Chris Seaton to push out to a wing.
He sustained an ankle injury early on in the Cutter's pre-season and is believed to have aggravated the problem over the past week.
The 195-centimetre giant weighs 108kg.
“If something comes up, we’ll have a look but we are pretty happy with the squad we have on the park,” Jeffery said.
Thunder have also lost Levi Freeman for the year after his court case was delayed until after the season.
Jeffery said it was important his team came out firing against Tumut at Greenfield Park on Sunday.
“We don’t know much about Tumut,” he said.
“They beat Kangaroos who are no easybeats.
“We expect an upbeat attitude from them.”
Thunder caused the boilover of the opening two rounds by dismantling flag favourites Gundagai at Greenfield Park last Saturday night and Jeffery is keen to back up the performance.
“Last week is done,” he said.
“That’s over and dusted.
“We are moving forward and concentrating on Tumut.”
Lachie Hampton (leg) faces a fitness test.
In other matches, Southcity meet Young, Gundagai host Junee, Temora do battle with Tumbarumba and Kangaroos tackle Brothers.