The Macarthur u16 Bronze round 1 match at the Mittagong Sports Ground on Saturday, April 13 finished early due to an injury, but the 16-14 lead the Roosters held stood.

Lions coach Heath Earnshaw, who had been with the group since the u13s, said it was still a good performance despite the result.

"The boys did well in what was a strong game of football," Earnshaw said.

"A few decisions could have gone our way, but we have to put up with it and bounce back next week."

Although the result didn't go their way, Earnshaw was still confident of a successful season.

"The boys back each other with every play of the ball, tackle and hit-up which will bode them well."

Brock Ferguson, Jesse Whatman and Jett Cornwell were the three try scorers for the Lions.

At this stage of the career, a lot of the players will be looking to improve their game so that they can play at a higher level and Earnshaw said his role was to help them get there.

"The boys are now committing to the sport," he said.

"They're 16-years-old and they're learning what it's like to play big time football."

The loss sees the Lions in fifth spot heading into round two.