The Queanbeyan Kangaroos have announced that two-time NRL Premiership winning prop Jeff Lima will play for the club next year.
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Lima joins the club on the back of a two-year stint with the Canberra Raiders, where he helped a number of young forwards develop their game.
“It’s good to go back and play with the local boys,” Lima said. “I want to help build grassroots footy here.”
Although the 35-year-old recently retired from professional football, Lima was pleased with the opportunity to continue playing rugby league in Queanbeyan.
“It’s always good to give back to the community and a mate of mine [Jordan Macey] used to play for the club.”
Lima joins the club after a decorated professional rugby league career where he won the 2007 and 2009 grand finals with the Melbourne Storm.
Lima made 127 NRL appearances, 107 Super League appearances and played six test matches for New Zealand.
Lima will be joined in the front row by 2017 Cooma Stallions Premiership winning coach Todd Williams.
Derek Hay and Josh Hitchings join the club from the Canberra Raiders U20’s and Tuggeranong Vikings respectively, while Richard Kelly returns to the club.
Despite these signings, Kaine Pagura and Lachlan Ingram, who played for the Kangaroos Under 18’s side this year have been tipped to push for a first grade spot in 2018.