HE rates as one of the best halfbacks to play for Wingham, however, Trent Green will start in the centres for Sunday's Group Three Rugby League season opener against Forster-Tuncurry at Tuncurry.
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Green played just one game for the Tigers last season when he answered an SOS for the minor semi-final after the club hit injury problems.
While he produced some quality touches in the game, it wasn't enough to stop Wingham bowing out of the comp when thumped by eventual premiers, Port Macquarie.
Green wasn't mentioned in pre-season discussions concerning the Tigers, but he's agreed to terms. Coach Mick Sullivan admits that under normal circumstances Green would start from the bench this week.
"But Brendan Butler's unavailable and Joel Kleindienst still has a couple of games to go to complete suspension, so I had to make a couple of changes from the team I had in mind,'' Sullivan explained.
"I was going to play Brodie (Myer) in the centres, but he's a tough kid so I'll move him into the back row and start Greenie in the centres.''
Sullivan and Green are Wingham juniors and Green won a premiership with Sullivan at Orange CYMS in Group 10 a few years ago. Sullivan understands weekend work commitments will be an issue again with Green, but added he'll be an invaluable acquisition for the Tigers.
Sullivan will play his first game in Group Three since 1998 on Sunday. He'll be the halfback, partnering last season's player-coach Danny Russell in the halves.
Former Old Bar player-coach Jake Wheeler will start at lock with another newcomer, Kyran Budd in the second row. Budd also played under Sullivan at CYMS.
Yet another ex-Pirate, utility back Nathan Maher will be on the bench.
Sullivan admits he isn't sure what his plans are for the versatile Maher.
"It only happened pretty late,'' he said of the signing.
"But he gives us a few options, we'll give it a bit of time before we determine what his role will be in the future.''
While Budd will have had limited time with the team going into Sunday, Sullivan said he will know his job and he won't have any trouble fitting in.
Sullivan's playing career will be finishing where it started, with the Tigers. He last played for the club in the grand final win over Forster-Tuncurry in 1997 before switching to Taree City for a season. From there he headed to the NRL.
"I'm just looking forward to the comp starting now and playing for my home town again,'' Sullivan added.
(Complete team lists will appear online from today).
