IT wasn’t only Orange CYMS players and supporters who enjoyed the club’s season launch on Saturday night.
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Sydney Roosters stars James Maloney and Daniel Mortimer were special guests for the function.
The duo played much of their junior league with CYMS (then SJS), and made the trip back for the special event.
Mortimer said it was great to be back in Orange and catching up with some familiar faces.
The utility player said the visit may have been even better for Maloney, who is the son of CYMS legend Brian Maloney, who passed away in 2009.
“I think it was good for Jim to see a lot of people who knew his old man and see how important he was to the club,” Mortimer said.
CYMS premier league coach Mick Sullivan said it was good to have Mortimer and Maloney attend the function.
They won’t be the only NRL stars linked with CYMS this season.
Former NRL player Matt King will pull the boots on for CYMS in this Sunday’s Group 10 season opener against Orange Hawks.
CYMS and Hawks last met in the 2013 Group 10 grand final where CYMS came out on top 22-14.
Sullivan said his side is looking good and he’s confident they’ll come out on top this Sunday.
“We’re building well. I was a bit worried about three or four weeks ago, but things are coming together well,” Sullivan said.
“I always go in confident. Everyone knows what we’re doing and I’m confident we can win.”
Sullivan will have to enjoy Sunday’s season opener from the sidelines with a knee injury.
“Unfortunately I won’t be able to participate, but hopefully I’ll be right to come in at the back end of the season,” he said.
While CYMS finalise their preparations for Sunday’s derby at Wade Park, it was back to reality for Mortimer and Maloney yesterday.
The Roosters returned to training after their round four 8-0 NRL loss to Manly.
Mortimer said it was disappointing to lose to the Sea Eagles, but the Roosters players could still see positives.
“That was a tough game. The last two years our games against Manly have been really good spectacles, and this was no different. They (Manly) were really good on the night,” Mortimer said.
“We’ve got a lot of good habits in defence, and we didn’t let in as many points as other teams have against Manly.”
The Roosters will go up against the Bulldogs this Friday night at Allianz Stadium.
