Group 20
Subscribe now for unlimited access.
$0/
(min cost $0)
or signup to continue reading
WARATAHS president Ken Wells believes the Tigers will only grow in strength as a result of winning this season's Group 20 premiership.
Waratahs were the last team standing at EW Moore Oval on Sunday after upsetting the undefeated Mallee Men 22-18 in a thrilling grand final.
Celebrations lasted well into the night and the following morning, with the club also claiming the under 18 title after a 34-24 victory over Leeton.
It was a remarkable end to the season for Waratahs, who were struggling to field a first grade side at the start of the year.
But the signing of player-coach Kose Lelei signalled a change in fortunes for the team, which evolved into one of the competition's most crowd-pleasing combinations.
With Lelei agreeing to coach on next season, Wells believes good times are ahead for Waratahs.
"It's been a great club for a long time," Wells said.
"If you look through the records, we've won the most premierships in firsts, 16s and 18s, and we're right up there in the ressies as well.
"We've been the most successful club over the last 50 years, and if we can keep the side together, there's no reason we can't go back-to-back.
"The boys did so well this year. I'm so proud of them."
In a further boost for Waratahs ahead of next season, Wells revealed star fullback Johnny Teleaga had also re-signed, while prop Michael Ioapo had agreed to terms.
Wells is confident most of the premiership-winning side will return.
"They're a young team, and I think they will all stick around," he said.
"The other great thing is that we've got a lot of real good under 18s coming through as well.
"The kids are looking good for next year.
"A few of them will be stepping up into A grade, and I reckon they'll go pretty good.
"There's a lot of talent in that group."