NATHAN Hindmarsh has officially confirmed he will play for the Moss Vale Dragons this year and will be on the field for their first match of the season.
The Dragons will take on local rivals Mittagong Lions at Community Oval on March 24 and Moss Vale president Greg Maloney said the match was a priority for Hindmarsh.
Hindmarsh agreed to play for the Dragons in early December last year, but finalised his contract details closer to Christmas.
Maloney said it was a massive boost for the club after they struggled last season and could only field a second division team.
While his commitments to Fox Sports and the NRL will prevent him from playing every match throughout the season, Maloney said he would be available for most games.
The club's Ross Webb said it was not only about his contribution on the field but what he could teach the younger players.
"The big thing with Nathan playing is not only what he brings as a player but what he and Scott Geddes will be able to teach young players like Aaron Cummings, Jordan Grey, Jack Webb plus our under-18s side," he said.
"Put these players with the likes of Josh Champion, Damian Barton, Brett Cummings and Matt Conquest and things are looking very strong for the Dragons to put a competitive side on the park for 2013."
Andrew Bowie who has stepped into the role of first grade coach, previously played with Hindmarsh and also former South Sydney Rabbitoh Scott Geddes who will also be joining the club for 2013.
The big name stars have already attracted a number of players back to the club including halfback Shane Martin, Elliot Esquilant and Nick Wilkinson who returned from overseas.
Robert Wiya will also return from a shoulder injury he sustained in 2010.
"Things are looking quite bright for the club and I can see us fielding three good sides and being highly competitive. A few big names will make it interesting for spectators," Maloney said.
Training for Moss Vale starts this week on Tuesday nights (Lackey Park) and Friday Nights (Community Oval) at 6pm.
Meanwhile former wests magpies and wests tigers players Rocky Trimarchi & Shannon Gallant have reportedly signed with Narellan. Last years premiers and clayton cup holders East Campbelltown have remained largely unchanged but have lost fullback will dreves who is trialing with mounties whilst have made a play to sign Narellan player Ben Baker to cover his spot. Oakdale have recruited back 2011 premiership winning coach Brendan Reeves and will have former east campbelltown coach jason hazelton as his assistant.
Picton has also announced former wests magpies junior player Bryce Poisel will captain coach the first grade side and will be ably assisted by club veteran and stalwart Gary Dowse, they have resigned Kiel Shephard and Chris Young, prop Chris Bowers returning after a year at Kiama and halfback/hooker Tim Dengate from the Penrith Panthers U20's .
Whilst nothing official from the club ,its reported via social media that Camden have installed former bulldogs player Mitch Newton as coach and will have another former team mate in Brent Sherwin as his assistant. The Oaks tigers have locked in league journeyman Leo Dynevor as first grade coach. Campbelltown City have reappointed Drew Dalton as captain coach and are currently in negoiations with players signings, they have however signed former oaks tigers winger nick sbezzi.
Appin are having a crack at first grade after many years as a 2nd division club and will be coached by former group 6 referee glen whiteman. Mittagong will be coached again by Scott Borg but have no news to report regarding their recrutiment. Thirlmere will be coached again by Dane Wooden but looks like they have lost their start signings from last year the Trotter Brothers who have linked with cabramatta this year.
