Before dozens of players, supporters and sponsors at Highlands Golf Club, the Lions paraded the Mittagong jersey, as well as 'Leo the Lion' - the club's larger-than-life mascot - and announced their commercial partners for what club president Jason Costigan is hoping will be a watershed season.

"It's full steam ahead," said Costigan, who acted as master of ceremonies at last Thursday night's function.

"My information is that league is attracting interest locally that hasn't been seen since the mid-1990s when the Mittagong club was a dominant force."

Lions coach Grahame Andrews was among the speakers, giving him the opportunity to announce former Wests Tigers hooker Robbie Mears as the club's first-grade captain for the coming season.

"We had a number of excellent candidates for the captaincy, but with Robbie's playing history at the elite level and his off-field demeanour, he was the stand-out choice," Andrews said.

Mears said he was honoured to take up the position, having concluded a professional career spanning 12 years and three countries, culminating with his departure from the Tigers six months ago.

"I'm very excited about the prospect of helping to resurrect a club like Mittagong," said Mears, who has also played for the Roosters, Bulldogs, Auckland and English club Leeds.

"The committee has worked tirelessly to get us back on course and now it's up to the players to get the results, starting this weekend at Goulburn."