It’s been more than half a decade since Mitch Evers last ran out onto Endeavour Oval but in what could be a gigantic boost for Orange Emus the gun pivot has confirmed he’ll be returning to his junior club as of this week.
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A former Central West and NSW Country colt, Evers landed back in Australia on Tuesday night after living and playing both rugby codes in Germany for several years, where he also earned several international caps in the 13-man game.
While the move means calling time on that short, but distinguished, international rugby league career Evers says he can’t wait to join the back-to-back Blowes Clothing Cup champions.
“Yeah, that’s it for the time being,” Evers laughed, when asked if he’d retired his German five-eighth jersey.
“Playing for Germany was a great experience, but now I’m just keen to get back playing with the boys at Emus and enjoying my footy.
“I’ve still got a lot of mates at the club, so it should be great.
“I’m looking forward to getting back to the club where I played for so long when I was younger, it really is a great club so I’m excited to play there again.”
Evers last played for the club in 2011 when he piloted the greens to a remarkable resurgence, directing traffic as Emus won 10 straight to finish the regular season in third after sitting seventh at the halfway point of the winter. It was the first time in three years the side had featured in the post-season.
I’d love to make my way back into the top grade eventually, but I’m happy playing whatever grade [Emus] need me to.
- Returning pivot Mitch Evers
Although it hasn’t stopped the greens from winning last year’s title and dominating so far in 2017, Emus has struggled to nail down a permanent five-eighth since Adam Perri left following the 2015 premiership win.
All those who have worn the No.10 jersey since – think the likes of TJ Cunynghame, AJ Sykes, Todd Freedman and Carter Hirini – have done a stand-up job, but none have been permanent options.
Evers may well give Emus just that, not that he’s expecting to waltz back into the top grade.
Quite the opposite in fact, considering Emus’ depth.
With a number of playmaking options already available through the greens’ top grade backline and the likes of Matt Campbell and Josh Walford shining in reserves, Evers knows he’s starting a long way down the pecking order.
He said he’s happy to play wherever the club picks him needs anyway.
“I’ve followed how Emus has been going over the last few years as best as I could and it seems like its in a really good place at the moment,” he said.
“I’d love to make my way back into the top grade eventually, but I’m just happy to be coming back to the club, playing whatever grade they need me to.”
With this weekend being a general bye for the NSW Country Championships, Evers will have two weeks training with Emus before taking the field against Mudgee in round four.