The Armidale Rams will head into their first season in Group 4 under a new coach in 25-year-old prop Mikey Ware taking over from Clarrie Moran.

Armidale had previously competed in Group 19 but the many hours spent on the road travelling to away games had caught up with the club despite returning to finals footy in 2014.

The Rams have recruited well for their first campaign in Group 4 with former ACT Brumbies centre Stephen Kim joining the club.

“He will be really good for us,” Ware said.

“We’ve also signed John and Navi Tiko from rugby.

“That will give us a bit more of a mobile pack.

“I think that’s where we’ve struggled the last few years, where we haven’t had many forwards with speed and footwork.”

Photo: Armidale Express