The club were forced to withdraw from the Group 6 second division competition last year due to lack of playing numbers.

However, the Highlanders have 20 players ready to represent Bundanoon on the field this year. 

The team will be coached and captained by Chris Conquest and club secretary Steve Randazzo said Conquest was leading the team on the path to success.

“Everyone is training brilliantly under Chris and they’ve learnt a great deal,” he said. 

“He’s gotten our fitness levels up and taught our players a lot of new skills.”

The Highlanders will return to the field with a diverse group of players this year. 

“A lot of our players returned from other clubs, but we've also got a few young blokes and some older guys who have never played before,” Randazzo said. 

Despite the hindrances of the wet weather, Randazzo said the Highlanders are geared-up for a strong season. 

“Our pre-season has been really good and everyone is looking fit,” he said. 

The Highlanders will return to the field on April 6 for the season-opener against the Appin Dogs at Warragamba Showground (postponed from April 1). 

“It’s really exciting for us to be back in the competition so everyone is looking forward to getting out there this weekend and playing some footy,” Randazzo said. 

Conquest will be assisted in his coaching by Paul Quigg. Randazzo said Quigg was one of the Highlanders best players and would impart a lot of wisdom on the young players. 

“Since we started as a club Paul has been one of our best players, he decided to assist Chris which has been fantastic.”

The Highlanders have high hopes for the season and have aimed to make it to the grand final. 

“It will be a very tough competition but we are confident we can get to the pointy-end of the season and hopefully win the premiership,” Randazzo said. 

At the end of 2015, the Highlanders suffered a number of injuries that knocked them from the finals series.

Randazzo said the team would work hard to stay fit and healthy to keep their premiership chances alive.