Nathan Wilson was a classy schoolboy player who has spent the past five years with Campbelltown City in the Group Six competition, based on Sydney’s outskirts.

“I’m best mates with Mitch McLeod, and he’s spoken about winning the grand final with the Thunder a few years ago,” Wilson said.

“I’d love to be able to do that, and I also have two brothers who play there.

“It would be great to play with Jack and Darcy.

“I’ve been away from home for eight years, but I’ve been overseas with Jack, and I talk to them once a week.”

Wilson left the region in primary school, spending six years at famous Rugby League nursery Patrician Brothers College Fairfield, which produced former Australian star and commentator Peter Sterling.

He also spent time in junior squads with NRL outfit, Parramatta.

Wilson also represented NSW Universities while studying to be a teacher.

His father Geoff will coach the Thunder’s reserve grade outfit.

Wilson is a 178cm, 86kg hooker, who has won players’ player for Campbelltown.

It’s been a strong off-season for the Thunder as it looks to regain its powerhouse status.

The club started well, picking up NSW Country Bulls’ rep Tuki Jackson as coach.

Jackson has spent the past two seasons in the neighbouring Group 20 competition after stints in Sydney and France.

The Thunder followed that with Jarrod Brackenhofer, who has spent a decade in Penrith’s lower grades.

Brackenhofer divided last season between the NRL reserve grade, the NSW Cup, and the next level down, the Ron Massey Cup.

And the club last month signed former NRL hard-running outside back Etu Uaisele.

The addition of Brackenhofer and Wilson will cover two of the game’s key positions, at halfback and hooker respectively.

Southcity and Gundagai have stolen the crown from the Thunder as Group Nine’s powerhouse outfits.