Three traditional Southern Highlands rugby league teams have now merged as one.
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Marking a major milestone in Highlands sporting history, Moss Vale, Bowral and Robertson junior teams will combine.
Moss Vale Dragons juniors president Daniel Jones explained the process and how this event came to be.
"We had a proposal to join the clubs together," Mr Jones said.
"Originally the committees of all clubs involved spoke about it, then Group 6 met with the members and discussed pros and cons.
"Group 6 then deliberated on the idea and committee members held a general meeting for all clubs. Members then voted on it and it passed.
"We then called for an open meeting for all members and non members (kids, parents). Again voted on and all said yes.
"It will now go to a meeting at Bowral Bowling Club this Sunday."
Presidents and secretaries have not been named as of yet. An AGM for the new club will be held in early October.
"All other clubs have to vote on it first," Mr Jones said.
"Once it's approved we can then move onto appointing positions within the team."
The reason for these three iconic Highlands teams joining forces is for the greater good of the game and its future.
Jones said that "Bowral, Moss Vale and Robertson, everyone in the Southern Highlands area is struggling for numbers with kids."
"If we become one we can keep kids on the paddock enjoying their footy. It's going to be better for the kids and they will know they have a dependable side and more teammates," he said.
"That's the real reason, keeping the kids playing footy and making sure they have a side each week."
Several names have been discussed within the meetings for the newly formed club such as Southern Highlands Junior Rugby League Club and the Southern Storm.
"At the moment it's called the Southern Highland Junior Rugby League Club," Jones said.
"But there are names that will be spoken about at this weekend's meeting that will include Highlands Storm, Highlands Warriors, Bulls and Raiders. There will be around seven or eight names considered.
"The name will be decided this weekend along with the team's colours."
Mittagong Lions Secretary Billy Hayward has applauded the move and explained the reasoning to why the Lions would not join the merge.
"Our committee and financial members have decided it wasn't the best path for our club at this point in 2019," Mr Hayward said.
"We'll never close the door on the idea and if an opportunity does arise in the future for a certain age group we will consider it.
"We do wish them all the best. It's good that they're trying to keep kids in rugby league. It will be healthy for local competition. It's also continually selling the product of rugby league and that's what it's all about.
"The teams involved have our full support. No one likes to merge, but it's better to merge than become extinct."
With the Lions building their players from under 6 teams all the way through first grade, the club is quietly confident that it will remain competitive in the juniors competition.
"We have a high calibre club at the moment," Hayward said.
"We've got great players and excellent coaches. I think that represents why we've gone so well as a club the last year, especially winning three competitions in 2019.
"Our kids keep developing and learning each year because of the resources within our club. A lot of the stuff we do off the field contributes to our success as well.
"We're quietly confident we'll be competitive from 2019 and beyond."
Bowral Juniors treasurer Chris Shea said the playing stocks for the new Highland club are very strong.
"This Season both Moss Vale and Bowral had three sides competing in the Grand Finals, with the Bowral Under 14's winning the Premiership for the second time in three years," Shea said.
Bowral Kookaburra Christian Gallina is also currently trialling with the Parramatta Harold Matthews Team after spearheading the Under 14's to their win. In 2020 the new club will be fielding Teas in all age divisions
If you're interested in the the decision making of the new Southern Highlands Junior Rugby Team, a general open meeting will be held this Sunday (September 15) at the Bowral Bowling Club from 3pm.
