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The champion fullback, who led the Whites to three grand finals in as many years, has been rock solid at the back for Queanbeyan with a quality kick return game and tight defence.

Despite his departure to the Roos, it's certainly not all doom and gloom for the Whites. A new generation of players has begun to emerge, ensuring Queanbeyan will remain a force in the John I Dent Cup for 2010.

Coach Wayne Southwell said while there was little doubt Hastings would be missed, he and the other coaching staff had made moves to fill the gap as best they could.

Southwell indicated that youth was on his side, with several of his younger speed merchants more than capable of wearing the number 15 jersey.

“Filling in for Josh has certainly been a major concern we've been looking at a few really good options though, Jaime Marmont and Tyler Stevens are two guys who we could see playing back there,” Southwell said.

“We will just have to wait and see, the trials are a few weeks off yet so I guess we won't know for sure until after then.”

Stevens is a junior Australian representative, while it is believed Marmont is close to securing an Australian Sevens jumper.

The Whites will also be boosted by the signing of former Gordon and Parramatta prop, Steve Taylor, who brings experience and size to the Queanbeyan pack.