The old rivalry between the Lions and Moss Vale has started already with both clubs fighting to secure the best talent in the Highlands.

Lions president Geoff Alcock said the club had secured most of the senior players from last year and had made an offer to Thirlmere halfback Shane Martin.

The Mittagong local is understood to have told the club he would return to the Lions when they returned to first grade, but the Roosters aren’t keen to let their playmaker go without a fight.

Alcock fired the first salvo against the Dragons claiming they were throwing “ridiculous money around” and were becoming the “Thirlmere of the Highlands”.

“I hope their new committee shows the same responsibility for the game as the last one did,” he said.

Moss Vale secretary Allan Hollis fired back that the Dragons weren’t targeting Lions players.

“We aren’t poaching or approaching anyone,” he said.

“Some have indicated they wouldn’t mind switching clubs.

“To say we are targeting players is a falsehood.”

The Dragons started pre-season training last night with new signings Leo Clarke and Michael Butterfield.

Alcock confirmed the Lions had retained key players Josh Rose, Rob Carter and Michael Hadju but said fullback Mark Williams (pictured) was one of many players in the Dragons’ sights.

Alcock said the club was thrilled to announce their coaches for next season.

For the full story see the Southern Highland News, Wednesday, November 26

sport.highlandnews@ruralp ress.com