Rugby union
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IT'S BEEN an unusually productive start to the new year for Griffith Blacks coach Lee Kimball.
Just days into 2013 and the club has all but settled on who will fill the key ball-handling roles for the upcoming Southern Inland Rugby Union season.
That job was made simple for Kimball when one out-of-towner with a terrific pedigree joined in pre-season training last Thursday, while another has committed to 2013 and is due to arrive in the coming weeks.
New Zealander Andre Boon will pull on a familiar colour jersey this year after moving to the city with his wife to work as a teacher at Wade High.
A crafty five-eighth, Boon's rugby career has taken him across Europe, the US and Australia.
Last year he played across the ditch while he has also played professional rugby league for the Crusaders in Wales.
"I think with that background, he'll have a really professional approach," a delighted Kimball said.
"We've got some experienced players in other key positions which will add to it but to have someone like that at five-eighth will be massive for us.
"The few times we've met he seems like a genuine sort of guy that's willing to pass on his experience to the other guys, which is exactly what we're after.
"Hopefully he can get us around the park in a civilised manner and give us some real direction."
Next to Boon will be another Wade High teacher, Tom Russell, who is set to move to Griffith on January 19.
Last year, he played with Avoca Beach in the strong Central Coast Rugby Union competition and is likely to be deployed at halfback or fullback for the Blacks.
"I've got a mate who plays up there and he said Tom was a really likely type and will be really good for the club," Kimball said.
"His club won all three grades last year and from all reports he'll be really committed, so I'm keen to see him when he gets here.
"To pick up two players like Andre and Tom ... it just complements our younger boys and strong forwards perfectly.
"We've always had size, but if you have really good ball-handlers who can make the difference, it's key.
"And it's great to get them in so early, it's only January.
"That's half the reason why we've started pre-season training so early so our new guys can get to know the club and gel with everyone."