Warriors reel from exodus

Dynamic McDonalds South West Warriors half-back Brandon Timlin has walked out on the fledging WARL franchise and joined metropolitan outfit South Perth in a surprise move which has left club hierarchy scratching their heads.

In a shock mid-season switch Timlin, a two-time Warriors’ best and fairest winner, took part in the South West side’s win over Joondalup a fortnight ago, but is expected to line-up for the Lions this weekend.

His younger brother Wyllis Timlin, a second rower, has also joined South Perth.

Both had been foundation members of the Warriors who began playing in theWARLPremier grade competition in 2010.

WARL competitions had a general bye at the weekend, but hostilities resume this Saturday when round three gets under way.

The duo’s decision has compounded a playing stocks crisis at the South West club, which has already been rocked by the departure of several key members of last year’s titlewinning outfit.

Bruno Ngawaka and Taku Simon have joined Rockingham Sharks, while star full-back Feleti Lolohea and second-rower Martin Bartle are now playing for Fremantle Roosters.Those players had been forced to move to Perth in search of work.

‘‘The club is a little bit shocked, especially with the loss of those two players who had been with the club since the start,’’ coach Wayne Capper said.

‘‘We want to get some new blood down at the club and fill the places that we’ve lost.

‘‘We’ve lost 70 per cent of our grand final team from last year, so we’re struggling a little bit for numbers at the moment but we’re just hoping that there are rugby league players out there in Bunbury and the South West that can fill the spots.’’

The Warriors train on Tuesday and Thursday evenings at the Leschenault Leisure Centre from 6.15pm.

This Saturday they will travel to Perth for a clash with Kalamunda-Canning Bulldogs.

That match is the first in a trio of tough contests which will see the Warriors play Fremantle and Rockingham away from home.