Former Pirates captain and NSW Country Cockatoo Andrew Moodie has signed for the Kootingal Roosters and will be playing Group 4 Second Division rugby league in 2015.
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“At this stage, yes I will be going to Kooty,” Moody said yesterday.
This time last year the Oxley Diggers announced that the rugby star was going to play for them as a marquee player in their inaugural year in Group 4 first division.
The announcement was refuted by Moodie the following day although he did admit to signing something that said if he was going to play league it would be for the Diggers.
That must have been a one- year deal only, with Roosters captain-coach Nathan Hamlin saying he has signed on the dotted line at Kootingal for next season.
“He has a league background and is the type of player who can play anywhere,” Hamlin said.
“It is awesome to get him on board.”
It is going to come as a shock announcement for many who have watched the fly-half dominate opposition backlines and light up Chillingworth Oval with his own backline as well, leaving Pirates with three premierships.
The announcement comes with the the Roosters’ sign-up day and Christmas party to be held at the Kootingal Hotel on Saturday.
As Moodie goes from buccaneer to bird, most of the Roosters who were pipped at the post last year are returning determined to finish the job.
Hamlin is a major contributing factor for Moodie to return to the game.
Hamlin played at Pirates with Moodie a few seasons ago and they also played NSW Country together.
Hamlin had the Roosters humming in his first year as coach this year, with the side undefeated all season until Dungowan spoiled the party in the grand final and poured fuel on a good local rivalry.
“We won’t know until after the sign-on but most of those boys are coming back,” Hamlin said.
“If we won last year I reckon there would have been 10 retirements but they have all come back.
“Motivation won’t be a problem.”
Paul Ford might be the exception to the rule, with the fullback set to retire, and second-rower Kayden Saunders might be returning to Werris Creek as well.
While Moodie is the calibre of player who can play anywhere, ideally Hamlin would want him in close to the ball.
Jordan Sharpe and Ben Williams probably have the halves sewn up again and Matt McCulloch the dummy half, so Moodie might find himself playing lock in place of Saunders.
Too many good ball players is a great problem to have for Hamlin, who is excited to be getting the side back together.
“I haven’t really been chasing any other players yet before the sign-up day,” Hamlin said.
“I would rather give all the boys from last year another chance first.”
“We only just got pipped at the post last year so I am not going to change much.”
Lad Jones has taken the president’s hat, with Kevin Storch and Johnny Barber the treasurer and secretary.
The Kooty girls are also returning this season and are looking for a few new faces to turn up on Saturday and sign up for the season.
Everyone is welcome to attend the party and sign on in the comfy surrounds of the Kooty Pub on Saturday, starting at midday and kicking on through the afternoon and into the night.
