Despite the time-old adage suggesting otherwise, it turns out a Tiger can change its stripes.
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After a number of successful years with the Trangie Tigers which included a premiership win in 2016, former NSW and Queensland Country prop John Ellis has linked with reigning New Holland Agriculture Cup champions Narromine the upcoming season, which is looming large.
Ellis said he "absolutely loved" his time at the Tigers but after moving to Narromine linking with the Gorillas made sense in terms of travel, and the lift in standard to Central West Rugby Union's second tier was somewhat of a factor too.
The bullocking front-rower wouldn't have been able to don the black and gold again if he wanted to anyway, with the Tigers sadly forced to withdraw from the Oilsplus Cup Northern Division this week due to a lack of numbers.
"It is sad Trangie won't have a side this year, everyone's very passionate out there and I absolutely loved my time with the Tigers," Ellis said.
"I'm working in Dubbo now and we moved from the other side of Trangie to Narromine just before Christmas and [Cale Oval's] only 10 kilometres away so it make sense to play there, it will be that little bit more competitive too."
With veterans Keith Maher and Charlie Tuck propping up their scrum the Gorillas' set-piece was formidable in 2018 and a huge reason the side ended the year as undefeated premiers, although they were forced to come-from-behind to win the grand final against Parkes.
Considering Ellis' history he'll also add to that power through the pack and, naturally, he said the side's goal will be to defend that title.
"Another premiership is the ultimate goal and it's a pretty good group to come into, I played a lot of rugby against Narromine back in their Blowes (Clothing) Cup glory days and it's nice there's a few faces from back then still running around that I know," Ellis said.
"But I think another big thing for the club is just making sure we've got enough blokes on hand to fill out first and second grade sides again.
"The body is feeling pretty good and I do think about playing for Central West again every time someone brings it up."
Ellis' recruitment is just one exciting development for the Gorillas. This year will be the first in many moons the club will field a side in Central West Rugby Union's revamped colts competition and a Westfund Ferguson Cup outfit too.