NEW BRIGHTON arranged a big farewell party for Tongan Loa Topou after returning from their final warm-up match at Whitchurch.

Topou played in a 21-14 victory but he will not feature in any of the North Two West games this season.

He only returned to Hartsfield last December from Caldy but has now decided to continue his career as a police officer in Perth, Australia.

Saturday’s hog roast get together ensured he leaves in very good spirits.

The Blues meanwhile begin the new campaign away to newly promoted Wilmslow on Saturday and will include several new recruits.

Centre Marcus Coast is back in the fold from Caldy, winger Greg Hughes has moved from Birkenhead Park and up and coming wing-forward Ryan McKibbin has switched from Winnington Park.

Also in the squad is Ikuna Manuofetoa, a nephew of skipper Kati Tuipulotu, who has represented Tonga in the Junior World Championships and looks a fine prospect. He can play second-row or back-row but his debut could be delayed as he recovers from a broken thumb.

The Blues have also just signed a new prop Lotu Newneutau who is stationed with the 1st Royal Welsh Regiment at Chester and played with Beddau in South Wales last season.

It is hoped his registration will be completed in time to clear him for the opening match.

Ben Basterfield is the new and very enthusiastic club President and Neville Waters has returned as Chairman of Rugby and is more than happy with the pre-season build-up.

Tuipulotu scored all three Brighton tries in the win at Whitchurch with Stephen Dean converting the lot.

Players to have left Hartsfield due to varying reasons include Alistair Child who is to round off his career with Wirral, Wayne Clayton who is moving to the south east and Danny Jones who has linked up with Wilmslow where he now lives.