The Nyngan Tigers have acted quickly to replace a Warner brothers-sized void at the club, announcing Jeremy Smith has taken over as captain-coach for the 2020 Group 11 season.
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News broke on the weekend the Warner brothers, newly recruited captain-coach Tom and his brothers Ben and Joe, were leaving town after less than a couple of months with the club.
Tigers president Glen Neill wouldn't state why the trio had departed, but it is believed their employment situation in Nyngan played a role.
While admitting it was frustrating, Neill said the club was delighted to have Smith take on the top job.
"The [Warner] boys decided to go in a different direction and this morning we've appointed Jeremy Smith as captain-coach," Neill said on Monday.
"All I'll say is they've made the decision to go. There was no issues with the football from what I know but they've made the decision.
"It is [frustrating] but everyone is pretty happy that Jeremy has taken on the job. He's been great at training and he's fit in well.
"We're not going to get down in the dumps and sook about it and I'm sure the Warner boys, wherever they end up, will be the same. It's not the end of the world."
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Smith arrived in the off-season from Port Macquarie, having previously enjoyed a stint in Group 11 with the Macquarie Raiders.
"Everyone has been really rapt with him and he's been very enthusiastic," Neill said of the representative hooker.
"Everyone is happy with what's been announced."
As well as losing their captain-coach, who from all reports had been running one of the best pre-season programs at Nyngan in a number of years, the Tigers have also lost three big bodies from the forward pack.
The club, according to Neill, is "constantly" looking for new players but added there was nothing definite as of yet.
One player who will be lining up in the black and gold of the Tigers in 2020 is Mitch Goddard.
The son of former Queensland Origin player Jamie, Goddard moved to Nyngan during the 2019 season but opted to focus on his job at the mines rather than football.
A former hooker in the Newcastle and Central Coast competitions, Goddard adds another creative option alongside Smith, Jacob Neill, and Merritt brothers Josh and Jai.
"He's full of beans and everyone has been impressed," Neill said of Goddard.
"He'll be a handy addition."
While the departure of the Warners a blow for Group 11, the loss isn't of the same magnitude as a couple of similar issues in neighbouring Group 10.
Both Blayney and Cowra have had agreements with NRL players only to see those deals fall apart just months out from the new season.
The Bears' relationship with former Parramatta prop Siosaia Vave turned sour while former St George and Canterbury hooker Craig Garvey won't be heading to Cowra after earning a better offer from a club in Newcastle.