Devils vs England

GYMPIE Devils' English imports have now returned to their homeland after falling victim to homesickness.

HEADED HOME: Jono Smith (left) in action as a prop forward for the Devils in their win against Noosa on Saturday night. The tough Englishman winged off home on Tuesday. Picture: Gympie Times/Codey Warhurst

GYMPIE Devils' English imports have now returned to their homeland after falling victim to homesickness.

Matt Wilson, Danny Shaw and Jono Smith were recruited by the Devils to help bolster the club for the 2009 season.

Wilson was a big, powerful front row forward and had huge impact running the ball forward.

Shaw played in the centres and was a prolific try scorer, while Smith was a compact nugget who could make metres and tackle hard in and around the ruck.

The trio had an immediate impact strengthening the Gympie side in attack and defence.

Wilson left earlier in the year, Danny Shaw just over a month ago and Jono Smith left on Tuesday with only five weeks left in the competition.

Coach Darren Burns said he was disappointed the imports couldn't stick it out to the end of the season, but said the Devils were blessed with depth this year and still had the firepower to make the finals.

“Jono was a bit homesick and he lost his other two English mates, so he decided it was the best thing for him to return home,” Burns said.

“We will obviously miss them, but we still have the side to make the finals.”

The Devils finished on a high note for Smith's last game, winning against arch rivals Noosa on the hooter.

Originally published as Devils vs England