Cricket might be hogging the headlines this Summer but that hasn't stopped the Highlands Group 6 league sides from aiming up for a big 2003.

The Moss Vale Dragons have shocked supporters and the group by nominating for the first grade comp after missing the finals in last season's second division.

And the history rich club claims to be in the final stages of negotiation with former Albion Park coach Richard Smith and a number of quality players.

The Dragons also remain confident of retaining most of last season's side and club secretary Toy Mitchell claimed his team were not in the top grade to be the whipping boys of the big budget northern teams.

"It's going to be hard in the top grade but we had our backs to the wall and we had no option," Dragons' secretary Tony Mitchell said.

"If we only fielded a reserve grade and under-18s side, we would have only played three home games all season.

"If that happened, the sponsors, players and supporters would lose interest pretty quick.

"A change of coach can do wonders and I think we'll be competitive."

The Robertson side, minus last season's captain-coach Andrew Murdoch, will play as the Dragons reserve grade side.

Over at Mittagong, new coach Grahame Andrews is busy rebuilding a side desperately in need of credibility and experience up front after a lifeless 2002. The return of former star forwards Lee Faavae and Danny Kulitapa will bolster the Lions' first grade hopes with a host of other signings expected in the new year

. The Bowral side will be out to erase the memories of recent years when they field a reserve grade and under-18s team in 2003. Well-known player Mick Galvin will take the helm as coach and has already given his current squad of 20 some pre-Christmas training runs.