The New Zealand international paceman will line up for the Panthers in the first T20 clash of the season on October 14.

Tuffey wasn’t expected to play many matches prior to the Christmas break, but was able to relocate to the Border quicker than expected.

“Originally I was going to stay in Sydney until my son finished up the school year, but we managed to get him into school down here for term four, so we made the decision to move slightly earlier,” Tuffey said.

“I was planning to only play a couple prior to Christmas, but I’ll play most of the games now.

“I’m just hoping to enjoy myself and hopefully pass a bit of knowledge on and help them win a few games.

“The body is pretty good right now, but I think by the end of March I’ll be singing a different tune.

“I’m thankful we’re starting up with T20s and not two-dayers or anything like that so I can ease my way into multiple overs and spells post-Christmas.

“They obviously got to the grand final before just missing out against Wodonga, so hopefully we can go one better this year and get a bit of silverware.”

Tuffey first trained with the group last week and was very impressed with the facilities at Lavington Oval.

“The ground looks fantastic and I’m really looking forward to getting out there,” he said.

“The team has been great, they were really welcoming last week at my first training session on Tuesday.”

But if it wasn’t for a connection between former New Zealand teammate Ian Butler and Lavington export Ross Pawson, Tuffey may not have found himself at the Panthers.

“Ross works alongside Ian and I was chatting to him in the car before I was heading down this way to have a look at a couple of houses,” Tuffey said.

“He said he played for Lavington and got me in touch with the guys.

“(Lavington coach) Robbie Mackinlay gave me a call and it went from there, it was just right place, right time for Ross to be in the car.”