The mentor led the Lions to the most improbable of grand final berths as the the men in Orange almost did the unthinkable on deciding day, falling to the Emus in a back and forth contest.

Orange City benefited from the inclusion of a host of rugby league transfers as the likes of Steven Widders, Rakai Tuheke and Eman Rodriguez bolstered their playing staff greatly.

This winter, City won't have the luxury of that extra talent which will make pundits wonder if they can replicate the run they went on towards the end of the season.

Keep up to date with the latest sports news by clicking here

That's not to say there's a lack of talent on the team as Josh Tremain, Tom Fenton and Duncan Young are all expected to return for the Lions.

It will be without departing scrumhalf Tom Nell who's set to leave the region.

City eagerly awaits the season schedule to see who its first-up contest will come against.