The Newcastle Herald reported last week that Magic stalwarts James and Luke Virgili and right-back Matt Hoole had switched to Lambton and were among six experienced players leaving the club.

Jaffas head coach Shane Pryce confirmed Rooke was also joining his club from Broadmeadow.

Rooke has been considered among the top midfielders in the league since coming to Magic from Manly United for the 2020 season.

Pryce indicated the club had not initially chased the quartet but it was an easy decision to sign them when it became clear they were leaving Broadmeadow.

"I look at James and think he's got another four years, Luke's probably got another two or three. Rooke has got ages, he's only 23, 24," Pryce said.

"I look at the whole comp and if they were going to another club, I would think that club has done well and I don't want to play against them - they are going to be tough. So when the opportunity came up, it wasn't even considered. It was just 'get it done'."

The additions join a Jaffas squad already featuring ex-Magic players Josh Piddington, Michael Kantarovski, Kale Bradbery and Scott Pettit and coach Bob Naumov.

Pryce said Will McFarlane. Anthony Wood and Riley McNaughton were losses so far from this year's line-up, which claimed the club's first top-division premiership in the COVID-shortened season. He said the club's expectations will be the same again in 2022.

"I think the balance we've got is pretty good now," he said. "Our depth has increased and then we've probably got cover in lots of places, so I'm pretty happy.

"I've spoken to everyone that I want and they are adamant they want to be here again, so it will create some competition for spots.

"With Hoole, I've never really had a right-back. Bren [Hammel] doesn't want to play right-back, he wants to have a crack at midfield, so we've got some riches there as well."

He said their recruitment was "pretty much done" but the club would still welcome any other quality additions.

Jaffas were declared premiers after leading the cancelled season with two rounds remaining.

The success came despite their star-studded 2020 squad missing the finals and head coach James Pascoe resigning after six games this season. Assistant Pryce stepped into the breach with the help of Naumov and he was proud of the response from the players.

"It was reward and credit for their performance," he said. "There were still points up for grabs but it is what it is. You still take it with pride. It was more about their performance and how they responded to the change. It was just good to get the response from them. As a coach, you want your players to perform for you and they did."