More than 350 people congregated at Mittagong RSL to celebrate the Lions achievements in the junior rugby league season.

Former Lions legends were present at the event to enjoy the success of the young players, including Lions Club life members, Bob Hall and Sean Ellison, Sons of Life Presidents not with us anymore, Barry Butterfield and Matt Cornwell, Current NRL Eels star Daniel Alvaro,West Tigers Pathways Officers Tyrone Collins and Shaun Spence, NRL development officer Dan Beardshaw and First Grade Secretary Simon Reid.

There were a number of major awards presented on the night that recognised the sportsmanship and determination of the young Lions. 

The Mini Team of the year was awarded to the under-9s team and the Mod Team of the year was awarded to the under-11s, who finished the 2016 season as premiers. 

The International Team of the year award was given to the under-13s, who made it to the grand final round. 

Mason Armstrong from the under-9s was awarded the Mini Player of the year award. Beau Bond from the under 12s received the award for the Mod Player of the year and David Eccleston from the under-14s was titled the International Player of the year. 

James Putland from the under-19s was recognised as the Mod highest point scorer and highest point scorer of the year was awarded to Dylan Balaam from the under-16s. 

The memorial awards concluded the presentation of the major awards. The Phil Stafford Memorial Award was given to Matt Hansen, the Barry Butterfield Junior Award winner was Jasper Murphy, the Barry Butterfield Senior Award winner was Shaun Peters and the Dasha Memorial Award was given to Harry Phillips. 

The Clubman of the Year award was given to John Hansen, for his commitment to the club both on and off the field.

Mittagong Masters president Doc Halliday donated $1000 to the Mittagong Lions Junior Rugby League Club on behalf of the Mittagong Masters Rugby League Club. 

Club Secretary Billy Hayward, a new pathways program would be launched between the junior and senior club in 2017.  

“Both organisations are excited about the new program, which will include learning and working with the Mittagong Seniors Rugby League on all levels of skills, nutrition and fitness. The juniors will also have talks with senior members about drug and alcohol education,” Hayward said.

This will be launched in the early months of the 2017 season for all players in the club aged from 13 to 16.

For more details about the 2017, contact Billy Hayward on 0410 649 121.