Highfields snare huge signing for 2020 season

THE Highfields Eagles have landed a massive prize, bringing back a local junior and one of the TRL’s best halfbacks.

HE’S BACK: Cory McGrady will return to Highfields Eagles colours in 2020. Photo: Kevin Farmer

RUGBY LEAGUE: Highfields have landed one of the buys of the off-season as they look to turn their fortunes around in 2020.

A disappointing last season that saw them drop from preliminary finalists just a year prior to battling to avoid the wooden spoon is far behind them, with the addition of star halfback Cory McGrady.

Since returning to the TRL Premiership two years ago, McGrady has stamped his authority as one of the premier halves in the game, leading the Roosters to back-to-back premierships and claiming the 2018 John McDonald Medal.

Highfields coach Gus McKellar said it would be a huge addition for the club, as they look to finally cement a halves pairing.

“Cory’s a Highfields junior and has done a great job for Valleys,” he said.

“We’re in a position where we needed a marquee player to get some confidence back. He approached us and was keen to get back to his junior club.

“He adds another dimension. He’s a quality player that has played for the Queensland Rangers and been in the NRL system.

“Training wise he has been great so far, and he really wants to be a leader out there.

“I don’t think we had the same halves pairing two weeks in a row last year, it was a nightmare. We want to get that consistency and continuity back into our game.”

A familiar face is also set to make his return to the TRL after a season off, and McKellar hopes the addition, along with young players coming through the grades, can get them back into the finals picture.

“We’ve got Nick Bainbridge coming back as well,” he said.

“He’s been one of our best players ability wise in my time here. The likes of Sean Hamel, Sam Bielefeld, Will O’Gradey and Conor Nolan are back as well and that adds a lot of confidence.

“One of the silver linings of last year was being able to progress our young players along and gives us that extra bit of depth this year.”

McKellar said there is a fresh feeling at the club as they begin to ramp up their preparations ahead of round one.

“The whole club is rejuvenated. Everyone was disappointed about how we finished up last year,” he said.

“We had one training session a week for six weeks before Christmas and got really solid numbers for that time of year. As far as the senior squad, we’ve got good depth.”