Stein, 22, who played with the Penrith Panthers after coming through the St George and Cronulla Sharks junior programs signed with the Goannas on Fiday.

“He played World Cup for Scotland in 2017. He goes Ok, he is an aggressive, powerful looking thing. He is a centre/winger who could probably play back-rower,” a still elated Edwards said before training on Monday night.

“He is an extremely talented boy, a great pick up. I got him on Friday, our books are now closed.

“His mum and sister live up here at Toronto and he likes it up here. A contact put me in touch with him and we got the ball rolling.

“He is a really good pick up.”

Edwards said importantly he believed Stein had the work ethic to be a success with the Goannas.

“This mob (Cessnock) proved last year you can sign whoever you want, but it still doesn’t equal success,” Edwards said.  

“You’ve got to work hard. If you’re not willing to work hard and have a crack then this comp sorts your out.”

From last year’s big signings, Alex Mamone and Paul Carter are still at the club, however, former Knight Chanel Mata'utia has not been re-signed.

Last year’s coach Al Lantry has signed in a purely playing role with Western Suburbs after missing most of season with injury.

“Chanel Matuati is not with us, I don’t know where he is playing, but he is not with us,” Edwards said.

“Alex Mamone has re-signed as is looking fit.

“Paul Carter is still on light rehab at the moment.

“He is doing some light jogging and that but he’ll be back full tilt at the end of the month.

“It’s not ideal, but I’d rather get him back then than later or risk his recovery by pushing him too early.

“He is going to be a bit under-done, but he is doing plenty of work in the gym so I’m hoping he’ll be fine when he hits the ground.

“He won’t play against Kurri in the Charity Shield, he’ll play against Central and that will he half a game and that will be it.

Edwards said Cessnock’s trial preparations were hampered by the interrupted start to the Newcastle RL season, with the competition starting one week and then breaking for Easter.

The Goannas first hit-out will be in the Hunter Valley Nines at Kurri Kurri, followed by the Charity Shield against the Bulldogs on March 9.

The final trial is on April 6 against Central and there will be match on March 23.

 “There’s probably about a dozen of the top 30 who won’t play in the Nines. It will be good to give some of the players some exposure at this level,” Edwards said.