Boosted by the late inclusion of giant New Zealand front-rower Wiremu Parker, who arrived in Australia less than four hours before kick-off, the new-look Lions were clearly the dominant side over 60 minutes with the Tigers aborting the final quarter in front of their own supporters to avoid potential injuries.

"It was an encouring first-up performance," said Mittagong coach Grahame Andrews, who kept star hooker Robbie Mears and halfback Shane Martin on the bench until the second quarter.

The Lions were down 4-0 at quarter-time but with the call-up of Mears and Martin, the visitors took control in the second period, running in four unanswered tries - the first scored by 30-year-old Mears when the former Wests Tigers hooker raced 30 metres to the line with just his second run of the game.

Mittagong's next four-pointer was initiated by Mears, Parker and five-eighth Glen Rota but the finish was provided by two locals boys when unheralded utility Lee Hayes scooped up an awkward pass from Rota and sent winger Nathon O'Neil over in the corner for an 8-4 advantage.

A try from close range by lock Adam Griggs followed soon after to make it 12-4 and when fullback Jamie Newton crossed before half-time, the Lions had a comfortable 12-point buffer. The margin would have been greater, except neither side took shots at the goal because of the unavailability of kicking tees.