Four Lions from both the junior and senior grades took part in the laying of the wreath ceremony and march in Mittagong on Anzac Day. 

Mittagong Lions Pathway Program captain Kai Wortz marched with junior players Jack McGannon, Aden Hayward and James Putland to remember those who have served. 

Mittagong Junior Lions Rugby League Club secretary Billy Hayward said it was a proud moment for the club. 

“It was a wonderful experience,” he said. 

“This is a tradition the club would like to build on for many years to come.”

Hayward said the young players were very respectful and set a great example not just for other club members, but the whole community. 

“The tremendous Anzac Spirit, manners and respect the boys showed not only to all the men and women who served our country, but to the whole community was truly a moment to cherish forever, not just for themselves but for our mighty club,” he said. 

Hayward said the club decided to get involved in the service to expose the junior players to the sacrifices that servicemen and women made for our country. 

“We decided as a club that our young men needed to start acknowledging the sacrifice and freedom that our Anzacs and fellow serviceman and women gave to our community and our country all those years ago,” he said.

“Some of these brave military personnel were just as old as some young men who are playing Rugby League with us now.”

A number of other players and Lions club members attended the Mittagong service to commemorate the men and women who fought so hard for our country to be where it is today.

Both committees from the junior and senior rugby league clubs said they hoped to have more players involved in the services and marches each year. 

“We are looking for the tradition we have started to grow next year and for many more years to come,” Hayward said. 

“We want more of our players marching side by side just like those brave soldiers did all those years ago.”