Group 20 rugby league
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DARLINGTON Point-Coleambally's resurgence has continued with arguably one of the biggest signings in bush football this year.
The Group 20 club has lured former Cronulla utility Ryan McGoldrick to the Point on a two-year contract, adding yet another player with top-line experience to the competition's ranks.
President Steve Hogan, who admitted even he was surprised DPC could secure a star of McGoldrick's calibre, told The Area News the signing will propel the Roosters to the next level.
"He just adds the bit of class and professionalism we've been looking for," Hogan said.
"We've lost too many younger players to other clubs and we need to be a winning force in first-grade to get the interest and stop that.
"For the competition to be stronger we have to look outside the group and broaden our horizons a bit more.
"He's going to be very good for our club."
It is an incredible coup for a Roosters outfit that suffered a crippling talent exodus in the off-season and looked destined for a wooden spoon battle.
Forward-thinking officials averted disaster and instead plotted a remarkable recovery, pulling off the triple signings of Josh Veivers, Cedric Matter and Chris Latu and then ambushing Yenda in the opening round of the season.
McGoldrick, 33, is keen for a return to Australia after spending eight years abroad playing for Super League clubs Castleford, Hull and Salford City, scoring three tries in 20 games last year for the latter club.
He played his first and only game for the year thus far on the weekend for Oxford in England's third tier but was a free agent before agreeing to terms with the Roosters.
He will make his DPC debut at home against the Griffith Black and Whites on June 1.
McGoldrick played 35 games for Cronulla, scoring 10 tries, and even crossed to play rugby union for the NSW Waratahs in 2003.
"That sort of experience and playing ability is what we need with the good juniors we have," Hogan said.
"He felt in his career, the next move for him was country footy.
"He grew up in a small country town in Queensland and he's keen to get back to the bush."
McGoldrick follows Griffith's David Milne and Leeton's Clint Halden as another Group 20 arrival with NRL experience.
He also gives DPC a multitude of new options, since he is capable of playing in almost any position, including centre, fullback, five-eighth and lock forward.
"Playing at that level in those positions, I don't think it will be an issue for him to play anywhere we need him," Hogan said.