Elia had trialled with NSW National Premier League club Blacktown City and was on the radar of Marconi and Mt Druitt.

But he's struggled with a niggling hamstring problem since November and all three opted against signing him, with his status as a New Zealand national and the premium on Visa players under the league's points system.

So it was on Valentine's Day when Elia offered Jonovski the gift of his return.

"I'm disappointed for him that it didn't work out with the NPL this year, I've got no doubt he's good enough to play in the league," Jonovski said. "But I'm very excited to have Van back with us.

"It's funny, we were probably a bit light on up front to start with, now we've got Van and Mark to play alongside Ricky.

"Van can win you a game in one moment and having Bridge's experience there will be very valuable."

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Bridge, who played with the Newcastle Jets, Sydney FC and Western Sydney Wanderers, was at Mounties in the NPL2 competition last year and on the hunt for a club.

It was through former A-League talent Alvin Ceccoli, who played in Corrimal's grand final win over Wollongong Olympic last year, that led to him signing with Rangers.

Elia was last year's golden boot with 24 league goals.

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