The former Cronulla Shark ventured to Orange way back in 1988 and linked with CYMS, helping the then-defending premiers to back-to-back Group 10 top grade titles with a 20-19 win over Workies in Lithgow.

On Friday night at Kellys Hotel and then again on Sunday at Wade Park, the 1988 premiership winning side will come together for a reunion.

“It’s unbelievable when you hear that, 30 years,” Mortimer said.

“I have vivid memories of the time, it was a strong Group 10 comp. Two Lithgow sides, Oberon, three Bathurst sides, Blayney … a really strong comp.”

Mortimer said a lot of the side has returned to help mark three decades since CYMS’ triumph in ‘88, which was the club’s last premiership before now captain-coach Mick Sullivan helped the club snap a 22-year drought with the 2010 crown.

“That year the staff of the club were fantastic. Just very professional. I came from Cronulla that year, to the bush, and that’s what encouraged me to join, their professionalism. And the playing staff,” Mortimer recalls.

“Looking at the grand final, it was a tough game in Lithgow and we probably only got away with it in the last five minutes.

“From what I can remember, a Rob Clark try got us home in a tough encounter.”

The premiership-winning mentor said he was looking forward to catching Sunday’s game against St Pat’s, with an old boys’ game to kick-off at 12.45pm as a lead-up fixture to the main game.

Mortimer tipped Sullivan’s side to kick-on during the finals, too.

“Absolutely. I think they’re plodding along well. This year, I think they’ve got another good side and I think they’ll probably go all the way,” he added.