THE Cowra Magpies in Group 10 are set to benefit from a major decision which will affect the Bathurst Bulldogs as they set out on their quest to win the 2015 Central West Rugby Union first grade title.
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The Magpies were facing an uncertain year after losing the likes of Bathurst-based pair Tim Holman and Jeremy Gordon, but have offset that somewhat after signing Bulldogs wrecking ball Hayden Tidswell.
Tidswell, coming off a season in which he represented the Country Cockatoos and made an incredible difference to the Dogs every time he was on the field, will return
to his home town to play alongside his brother Blake.
He will move from the back of the scrum to the front of it, likely to play at prop for the black and whites.
The Magpies have also signed Toi Sepuloni.
Cowra premier league coach Steve Sutton couldn’t be happier with Tidswell’s arrival.
“He hasn’t missed a training run. He rang me and told me to bring the papers before our first run,” Sutton said.
“It’s really good to have him on board. We had a good honest forward pack last year, but we didn’t have that giant – he’ll bring a real physical presence.
“I’ll probably start him on the bench early in the season. He’s a proven rugby union player, but he’ll take time to get used to running the rugby league lines again.”
The Magpies have also filled one gap left in the halves by Holman and Gordon with New Zealander Sepuloni.
Sepuloni is a highly regarded five-eighth who was instrumental in the halves for his club the Halswell Hornets while representing Canterbury Bulls in the National Premiership competition. Each won their respective title.
“He reminds me a lot of ‘Clemo’ [former Cowra Magpie Brett Clements] in his day; he’s got a real steady game,” Sutton said.
“He can kick long and passes well and he is a great goal kicker, which did let us down at times last year.
“We just need to get him out here now. He’s as keen as mustard. If there are any potential employers out there that want to help the club, let myself or the club know.”
Both Sepuloni and Tidswell are high-calibre signings, which will come as a great relief for the club after four starters from last season’s grand final team – Holman, Gordon, KJ Wood and Will Ingram – all committed to other clubs.
“Hopefully we can get another forward, but ideally another half. There is still a few feelers out there, but nothing that is a certainty,” Sutton said.
It’s looking likely that Jack Nobes will slot into the number seven and 2013 first division player of the year Dan McGann will play hooker, while Cowra junior Carl Planicka has departed to join the Young Cherrypickers.
The club’s first hit out will be at the Bathurst Knockout on March 21 before the premier league and reserve grade teams travel to Kiama for a trial the following week prior to round one on April 12.
