Werris Creek Magpies have secured the services of one of Group 4's hottest free agents ahead of the 2019 season.
Subscribe now for unlimited access.
or signup to continue reading
Magpies coach Ron Dellar confirmed to the Leader former Gunnedah Bulldogs captain Callum Hayne would join Werris Creek this season.
Dellar said he was pleased Hayne would make Werris Creek his home this season.
"We've got Callum Hayne - he's a signed deal," Dellar said.
"He called me last Tuesday to ask me what time training was and to let me know he wanted to play with us this season.
"It is an exciting thing for us and we are really looking forward to having Callum involved this season."
Read Also:
Hayne's arrival at the Creek comes fresh off the news former hooker Zac Buckley would not be returning to the club in 2019.
"Callum is one of several new players we have welcomed this off-season," Dellar said.
"Lately we have been seeing 30 or more players at training, which is great to see.
"While Zac Buckley has gone back home to Baradine, we have picked several key players that will hopefully fill that hole."
Dellar said the club had seen new recruits arrive at the club "from a number of different places".
"I was actually doing a rough count the other night at training and we really have picked up guys from all over," he said.
"We picked up a few guys from Bendemeer, a few guys from Quirindi and we will welcome back Jaiden Slater as well.
"He has been playing with Hunter High and has been involved with the academy as well, so he is a good pick-up for us as well.
"Honestly, it has been exciting to see our player numbers grow to include a reserve-grade for next season.
"Hopefully it continues and with some of the younger guys we have coming through there are plans for a juniors side next season as well."
The long-time coach said he expected Slater to fill the hooker position vacated by Buckley, while Hayne would line up at full back.
"It is a bit of a jump for Callum but he is that kind of footballer," he said.
"He is so versatile he could play nearly anywhere, I coached him in the juniors and he played full back then and I expect he will go well there again now."
With the Magpies' round 1 clash against North Tamworth fast approaching, Dellar said the club was looking for one more trial match.
"Our reserve-grade side has a trial match against North Tamworth this Saturday at Werris Creek," he said.
"However, our first-grade side is still after a trial, so if there are any clubs out there looking for a trial match we'd love to hear from them."
The Leader has also tried to contact Hayne for a comment.
