The Blowes Clothing Cup was on notice when Rakai Tuheke and Eman Rodriguez signed with the Orange City Lions for the upcoming season but Emus coach Pete Bromley might have scored the most prolific code-swapper of them all as the side announced on Wednesday that reigning Group 10 player of the year Nathan Potts would don the green in 2020.
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The Orange Hawks lock is fresh off a devastating campaign in 2019 in which he became the first two blue to win the award and there's no doubt he'll bring an impact to Endeavour Oval this winter, even though Bromley isn't yet sure which position will best suit the red-headed workhorse.
Not only did the Emus jag Potts, but they'll welcome the return of playmaker Carter Hirini who's set to re-join the side after spending some time with the Blayney Bears in previous seasons.
Hirini will wear the number 10 jersey for the Emus this year and is making a smooth transition into the side's spine as he'll play alongside some of the competition's most capable maestros.
Jamil Khalfan is set to slide back to fullback while Nigel Staniforth will slot into the outside centre spot and coach Pete Bromley says thus far, the combinations have been gelling relatively well at training so far.
"They've all been training well in their new spots,' Bromley said.
"We're just looking to use the football better and play with a bit more width and that should be able to happen with Carter [Hirini] there. "Jamil [Khalfan's] got flair and he's creative. Plus, he understands the patterns from last season. We're just hoping both guys can utilise their skills because they're obviously both really good footballers."
While new talent at the club is always desirable, Bromley made a note to mention that he didn't go out of his way to bring them to the side as he didn't want to disrupt the playing group that was already in place.
"We haven't actively recruited them but it's nice to get some guys coming to the club," he said. "We don't want to have 20 league blokes coming to the club and pushing other guys out of the side."
It's not long until the Emus open their 2020 season at Forbes against the Platypi and Bromley says his side's keen to put an end to their preparation and finally get out and play some games.
"It'll be nice to take the field rather than just doing fitness sessions," he said.
"We've pretty much got out starting team all lined up for next weekend."
While he hasn't confirmed where Nathan Potts will play in this year's line-up, you can expect the reigning Group 10 MVP to be in the starting side before the end of the season.
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