The Macquarie Raiders' massive recruitment drive has hit a new high following confirmation Jack Kavanagh has joined the club from Group 11 crosstown rivals, CYMS.
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The Raiders confirmed the signing of the former NSW Country junior and Queensland Cup player on Monday, adding another immense talent to an already imposing forward pack.
Discussions between Kavanagh and both Dubbo clubs have been happening for a number of weeks but it was Macquarie who got their man, to the delight of captain-coach Alex Ronayne.
"He's a Macquarie junior and a Souths (South Dubbo) junior and he's just Jack Kavanagh," Ronayne said.
"Getting him here, it gives a lot of confidence to the club and a lot of confidence to myself.
"It's massive for the club and I am personally very happy to have him."
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Kavanagh returned home to Dubbo ahead of the 2020 season and joined brother Wade at CYMS after a standout stint on the South Coast with the Shellharbour Sharks.
The region's fans never quite got to see the best of the powerhouse forward in green and white after COVID-19 forced the abandonment of the Group 11 season while injuries slightly hampered his performances in the Presidents Cup.
But his ability is undeniable and Ronayne admitted he's already struggling to think what his lineup could look like in round one of the Group 11 season next year.
The rookie captain-coach is going to have a wealth of options at his disposal, with Kavanagh joining former Super League player Oliver Gordon and Group 10 premiership winner Nick Harvey as major additions to the forward pack.
Ronayne, Rob Mafi, Jordan Reynolds, and Clayton Couley are just some of the others gunning for a spot in what the captain-coach has already said can be the best pack in the competition while youngsters like Maclay Ryan and Blaine Gordon will also get a chance to push their claims.
Ronayne hinted the signings haven't finished yet either, with potentially even more additions to forward pack arriving.
"I've been thinking lately of how I'm going to do it so the headache's there already," Ronayne said.
"I might be back in the centres next year with the forward pack we've signed but I'm looking forward to it and just keen to get out there."
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Ryan is one of the many players to come out of the under 18s who the club have been eager to secure.
While there's been a host of big names to join the club and the lineup for next year will look nothing like the one which featured on the field in 2019, Ronayne is being sure to keep a close eye on the younger players.
"I'm very excited to work with him," Ronayne said of this year's under 18s captain Ryan.
"Him around Jack, Nick, and Oliver Gordon will make him a better player.
"It's all looking good for the club and making the club look good. The whole of Group 11 is coming back I just can't wait."
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Nick Guthrie
I started working at the Daily Liberal in 2013 and now hold the position of senior journalist. I cover all that's happening in sport in Dubbo and the wider western area and have a passion for doing so. If you've got a story that needs telling, reach out.
I started working at the Daily Liberal in 2013 and now hold the position of senior journalist. I cover all that's happening in sport in Dubbo and the wider western area and have a passion for doing so. If you've got a story that needs telling, reach out.
