By Tallon Smith

The Yenda Blueheelers have announced on Sunday that front rower Tongia Fox will return to the club in 2024.

A Yenda junior, Fox left the club to join Forbes Magpies before the pandemic, where he won the 2022 Peter McDonald Premiership title.

In a post to their Instagram page, the Yenda club expressed their excitement upon the announcement of Fox’s return.

“Tongia returns to the club after a successful few years at Forbes Magpies which included a premiership in 2022,” the media release read. 

“The front rower has represented Yenda in both the junior and senior grades and is well known for his competitiveness and aggressive playing style, and there’s no doubt he will be the centrepiece of the Heelers pack.” 

“Both the club and Tongia are excited to have him back in the Kennel and ripping in for the 2024 season.”

Meanwhile, the Griffith Waratah Tigers have announced the signing of rising young centre Cristiano Nascimben for their return next year.

After spending this year at Leeton during the Waratahs’ recess, where he was part of the team which made the Under 18s Grand Final, Nascimben will return to his junior club, rejoining his father Robert, who is a club legend and President.

In a media release posted by the club, Nascimben explained his decision to return to his former club.

“I am a Waratahs junior, I started in Under 8’s, and I want to help the senior club get back on the field in 2024,” he said.

It is anticipated the Waratahs will field four or five grades when the season kicks off in April next year.

Cover Image: Photo 1 credit: Yenda Blueheelers Instagram, Photo 2 credit: Griffith Waratah Tigers Facebook.