Illawarra Cutters coach Scott Logan has gone for quality over quantity in recruiting for the 2015 VB NSW Cup knowing that his team will be boosted when St George-Illawarra coach Paul McGregor culls players from the Dragons' top squad.
The Cutters fell to Newcastle in last year’s VB NSW Cup grand final qualifier having finished the regular season in fourth position.
“It’s really good having a full pre-season preparation with the side,” said Logan, who took over as head coach midway through 2014.
“We had five weeks together before Christmas and we’re now well and truly back into it after the break and we’re getting to understand what we want to do in terms of the Cutters.”
After a stint with the Newtown Jets last season, former Rabbitohs and Panthers first grade outside back Junior Vaivai is back with the Cutters while New Zealand Residents halfback Willie Stowers has joined the club from Papakura.
The Cutters have also been boosted by the recruitment of a host of former Dragons Under 20s players led by backrower Andrew McCarthy.
“Andrew McCarthy has really impressed me in training,” said Scott Logan.
“He runs good lines, is a really good talker and just knows his role. The attitude from all the guys has been really good in training.”
GAINS: Fraser Alcock (NZ Rugby Union), Brent Anderson (Dragons Under-20s), Jokatama Dokonivalu (Roosters Under-20s), Andrew McCarthy (Dragons Under-20s), Hayden McCrae (Dragons Under-20s), Vincent Stowers (Dragons Under-20s), Willie Stowers (Papakura NZ), Junior Vaivai (Newtown Jets), Blake Wallace (Qld Cup Capras).
LOSSES: Sam Duggan (Mounties TBC), Charlie Faingaa (Qld Cup), Joel Johnson (released), Rory O’Brien (Dragons NRL), Jason Raper (Helensburgh), Shannon Wakeman (Dragons NRL), Josh Ailaomai (Qld Cup).
