Former Steamers star Liam Krautz commits to second year with CSU

After being named Southern Inland's best as part of Albury's charge to the preliminary final last year, Krautz linked with the Wagga club after the Steamers elected not to field a first grade outfit.

The 30-year-old has played a massive role in lifting the Reddies off the bottom of the ladder this season, with their two wins coming in their last two games.

Now he's looking to stay the course.

"I think I'll be around next year with them," Krautz said.

"It is always good to have a change but to have such a good, social club like CSU has really left an impact.

"I think I'll definitely be hanging around."

Krautz started his 2020 rugby season in New Zealand before electing to head home due to the effects of the coronavirus crisis.

The move across the Tasman started well, with the flanker named in the South Canterbury representative team, before the season was put on hold.

After arriving back, he signed with the Reddies and has really enjoyed his experience.

"It's been great," Krautz said. "They are a fantastic club and they have been really receptive of me playing with them.

"They've taken me on board, embraced me with both arms."

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After a number of poor seasons, Krautz believes CSU can use the 2020 season as one to springboard them to further success.

"They used to be a strong club and I believe they are paving a new path with a strong foundation for years to come," he said.

"They have a lot of young talent coming through, which they are harnessing, and as long as they hang around the club and get a few more in there, they can feed off the experience and they will be a strong side for years to come."

Coach Paul Hood has been thrilled with the impact Krautz has had on the side, both on and off the field, reinforcing the big part he has played in their improvement as the shortened season has progressed.

"He's outstanding and it is not just what he does on the field either," Hood said.

"We've got a pretty young squad and he is so good at talking to them one-on-one.

"He'll pull them aside and say 'maybe look at doing this'.

"His experience has been phenomenal for the young group."

CSU are coming off two wins against Tumut and have set their sights on getting the better of Waratahs on Saturday to really finish the season on a high.

Waratahs went close to ending Wagga City's perfect record in their last game but Krautz is confident they will provide them with a big test.

"We have to stick to our game plan and move the ball fast," he said.

"If we can move the ball fast across either side of the paddock, I think we can get the job done."

In the other game, Wagga City are looking to head into next week's grand final unbeaten when they travel to tackle Tumut.