Young underwent surgery on Saturday night after snapping his tibia and fibula in a maul during the game, which the All Stars won 17-12 over the Lions’ third grade side.

Event organiser, and 2012 and 2013 Blowes Clothing Cup first grade premiership-winning prop, Nathan Short,  said the day was an unbridled success.

“We can definitely announce Youngy’s retirement,” Short, who played for the All Stars, laughed.

“The poor bugger was in a fair bit of pain. But apart from that it was a great day, a huge success. Everything went to plan apart from not getting the gear ... bloody Nathan Zinga.

“It seemed like there were more people there to watch our game than the first grade game.”

Short said the game would undoubtedly become an annual event, with the formation of a legitimate Lions old boys club the next step.

“Whether we do it once, or twice a year it doesn’t really matter, as long it happens,” Short said.

“We’ve got the ball rolling now and we can’t wait for next season. It was great to get these guys back in the club in a more involved sort of way.”

Short said the clash wasn’t short on competitiveness, or niggle, before crediting his All Stars’ defence.

“It was meant to be a draw,” Short laughed.

“But they couldn’t score, our defence was just way too good. The result didn’t matter of course, but the old guys don’t lose their competitive edge with time.

“The goal for most I think was to avoid being tackled, and not have to make one, but once you run on the field the competitive nature takes over and you throw yourself into it.

“It really was just a fantastic day, everyone bought into it. Seeing everyone singing one big club song together afterward was a highlight for me.

“There was definitely some sore bodies and sorer heads on Sunday morning though.”