BATHURST Panthers performed something of a rugby league miracle this year when they qualified for the Group 10 premier league finals series, but in 2015 they do not want to wait until the final round of the regular season to know they are still in premiership contention.

Panthers have actively been recruiting a group of experienced players they hope will complement the young talents who won four of their last five games – plus got a helping hand with St Pat’s beating Orange CYMS in the last round – to earn a place in the 2014 semi-finals.

Todd Barrow signed on as coach, prop Brett Seager agreed to stay after being Panthers’ best this year and Greg Behan was secured to play in the front row alongside him.

Then this week came the news that Panthers had signed a pair of versatile backs in Jeremy Gordon and Sandon Gibbs-O’Neil.

Gordon has previously won a premiership with the Panthers and was a member of this year’s Cowra outfit which took on St Pat’s in the decider. Orange product Gibbs-O’Neil also has big game experience, having played in Orange Hawks’ side which lost the 2013 grand final 22-14 to CYMS.

“It’s a big step signing those two blokes. We were chasing a half and another back and they are both quality players,” Barrow said of his latest recruits.

“I’ve played with Sandon for two years and I’ve played against Jez before, he’s probably one of the best centres I have seen around here.

“Jez is versatile and he will play anywhere, but with both of them, they can cover anywhere in the back line and Sandon can even play nine if we need it.

“It is good to have that versatility, they are quality players.”

Panthers president Dennis Comerford was delighted to have Gordon and Gibbs-O’Neil sign up and believes it gives his side strength across the paddock.

That pair will be playing behind a forward pack that should rate among the best in Group 10 next season.

“Having Jeremy and Sandon will be great. You’ve got those two guys and you can nearly say we’ve got a Group 10 pack as well,” he said.

“We have Carpo [Luke Carpenter] at hooker and then Seags [Seager] and Greg Behan, Greg has played Group football before, as well as those guys.”