Jye Thompson set to return to Hay Magpies

By Krista Schade

After sitting out rugby league for several seasons, local talent Jye Thomspon has been confirmed as the latest signing for Hay Magpies.

Magpies first grade coach Chris Stewart confirmed the signing late last week.

“That’s been our focus when recruiting for this season,” he said.

“We want local blokes back playing for Hay.”

Holbrook-based Thompson has had several successful seasons playing in the tough Group 9 competition with Albury Thunder, and Stewart plans to use his strength and experience to Hay’s advantage.

“He’ll slot him into the front or second row,” Stewart said.

Thompson joins a slew of returning local talent who have committed to the Magpies Group 20 finals push in 2025.

Will Barnes has migrated home to Hay after several seasons with Leeton Greens and a stint playing in France with hard-hitting cousin Ben Arandt. Arandt has also signed with Hay.

Also returning to the Magpies is Shaun Aylett, fresh from a grand final appearance in the ProTen competition, and Harley Hey. Hey was persuaded out of retirement by the Magpies.

The Magpies ran their first men’s training session last week, which Stewart says was well attended.

“We still have some players working away, on holidays r otherwise unavailable but we have around 30 players already committed to the season.”

The Club has confirmed it will field both first and reserve grade this year, with Zac O’Neill appointed a reserve grade coach.

“Zac and I will train the squads together for the next few months,” Stewart said.

“He has a core team of six or eight blokes already.”

Stewart also confirmed the Magpies have entered the West Wyalong knockout, to be played across the weekend of February 28 and March 1.

The 52nd annual carnival is offering a prize pool of more than $30,000.

“It was Zane Gash’s idea for us to enter,” Stewart said.

“It will be a good test for us. A good hit out, to see where we are at.”

The Magpies will then play two pre-season trial games in Wagga Wagga the following weekend against South City Bulls and Queanbeyan Blues.

Men’s training is held on Tuesdays at 6pm at the number 1 oval in Hay Park.