IN SHORT

- Griffith Waratah Tigers co-coaches Brett Goldspink and Willie Lolohea have both re-committed for the 2026 Group 20 season, with Goldspink declaring the side has "unfinished business" after last year's heartbreaking preliminary final exit.

- The Tigers have recruited two players from the highly-regarded Auckland competition in Io Lotoa'atu and Sima Tau to bolster their squad ahead of the new campaign.

- Griffith opens its 2026 season on April 11 against West Wyalong.

Returning Griffith Waratah Tigers co-coach Brett Goldspink has declared that his side has "unfinished business" as he prepares to team up with Willie Lolohea for a second season at the helm of the club.

The Waratah Tigers started last season a perfect 11 from 11, only to drop off in the second half of the campaign and ultimately fall a game short of the grand final after surrendering a 20-point lead against the Hay Magpies in the preliminary final.

Goldspink said that he believes his team needs no greater motivation than the memory of that preliminary final loss as they aim to reach the club's first decider in seven years this season.

"I think we feel like we've got unfinished business, we were up by 20 points with 17 minutes to go in a preliminary final and got beaten in extra time, so I think that will be enough motivation to want to go at least one game better [this] year," he said.

"The grand final, it's obviously the pinnacle, and you don't want to make bold predictions this early in the season, but I think looking at the squad, provided all the guys turn up to training, we will have a strong squad, slightly stronger than what we had last year."

The Waratah Tigers have been one of the quieter teams in terms of recruitment so far over the summer, looking to retain the core of their outfit rather than look externally.

However, the club has secured the services of two players from the highly-regarded Auckland competition in Io Lotoa'atu and Sima Tau.

Goldspink said that he has been impressed with what he has seen so far from the pair throughout the pre-season.

"From what I've seen at training, they've only been here two weeks, they both look pretty talented," he said.

"Sima looks like he'll inject a bit of mongrel into our side, he's a pretty aggressive looking player I reckon, he's pretty dynamic and powerful, so I'll be excited to see him play.

"Io, he's got some skills, so we'll see how he goes in the backs."

As for his re-appointment to the coaching role, Goldspink said that he enjoyed the challenge of coaching in Group 20 last season and is looking forward to what is shaping as another hotly-contested premiership in 2026.

"I enjoy it, I wouldn't be doing it if I didn't enjoy it, I'm glad to be back again," he said.

"As I said we started the year so promisingly [last year], I think we won 10 or 11 straight and then unfortunately we got some injuries and a bit of bad luck, but I'm hoping maybe we can go a little bit further this year.

"The squad we're putting together will definitely be in good shape."

Joining Goldspink in sharing the top job at the Waratah Tigers again this season is Willie Lolohea, who is preparing for his third season in charge after leading the club as the sole mentor in its return from a year in recess in 2024.

Lolohea said that he is as enthusiastic as ever about the role heading into the 2026 campaign.

"I'm still as excited as the first year, and I'm really looking forward to it," he said.

"I'm glad that Brett jumped back on board as well because he's been great for us as the players, it's been awesome."

One endorsement of the Waratahs' strong start to last season was the fact that a whopping six of the club's players were selected in the original Group 20 Kelly Cup team, although Lolohea, Sina Tatofi, Ulu Akolo and Tupou Uhi all withdrew prior to the clash.

As for the two remaining Tigers that actually played in the match in fullback James Girdler and front rower Elvis Nauer-Wood, Lolohea said he was not surprised by their selections and subsequent strong showings.

"James and Elvis they're professional guys, they do what they need to do, they're obviously talented as well and they're just great blokes, so [it was good] just watching them be able to excel within those rep teams and bring the experience they have," he said.

"I know Girds has been around the joint as well, he's played a bit of Group 9, and Elvis as well, he's played a bit of Canberra Raiders [junior representative football], so I'm not surprised that they did make those rep teams.

"It's well deserving of the skill and the talent they bring to our team, [and] I reckon this year, they will have another great year [as] they always do."

The Waratah Tigers will begin their Group 20 campaign on April 11 with a clash against West Wyalong.