Stonham said his days at the Queanbeyan Blues were fond ones but the lure of playing with long-time friend and colleague Jeremy Braun in his final years was too much to resist.

``I spent a lot of good time with the Blues, they've looked after me well over the years and it's certainly nothing against them,'' he said.

``I actually wanted Braun to come to the Blues but the situation didn't arise.

``I've been here for a while now so I thought it was time to have a new challenge.''

Stonham would not set a date on retirement, but added that Braun had played a pivotal role in ensuring the talented utility would play another year Leg 2at the top level in the region.

``I was actually going to retire and go and play for Harman, but Braun said he could get me another year up in Goulburn,'' he said.

``That was the catalyst I guess; we are certainly pretty close and I wanted the chance to play alongside him again.''

A resident of Queanbeyan, Braun conceded he may not be the most popular man around town after playing a role in Stonham's switch.

For the full story, please see Friday's Queanbeyan Age, available from our front office on Monaro Street, or at newsagencies and supermarkets across the Queanbeyan region.