For the second time in as many years Dom Maley is preparing to lead Orange CYMS into a new era, but where he assumed the role of captain-coach in 2019 he'll be taking the club's reins as president ahead in its 75th anniversary season next year.
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Maley takes the role from outgoing supremo Dave Penny, who held the top job at the club for four years after Ray Agland brought his seven-year tenure to an end following CYMS' Group 10 premier league title win in 2015.
His election actually bears a similarity to Agland's in that his first year in charge will coincide with a former NRL half taking the captain-coach's job, with Dan Mortimer signing for the club in much the same way Mick Sullivan did ahead of Agland's maiden season in the job.
It's always the aim to do well on the field but with the anniversary we're determined to make it even more special.
- New CYMS president Dom Maley
Maley said Mortimer's recruitment is a gigantic boost for the club as it looks to return to the finals after a tumultuous, injury-plagued 2019 campaign, which would of course add to the club's anniversary celebrations, the biggest on the horizon.
Maley follows in his father Dan and uncle Bill's footsteps too, both served as the club's president.
"Dan back is exciting, he's such a quality player and hopefully he can bring some of that knowledge and standard from NRL clubs and coaches to our club," Maley said, adding how excited he is to lead the club during such an important season in its history.
"It's always the aim to do well on the field but with the anniversary we're determined to make it even more special. We'll have some functions on during the year as well to celebrate but we'll meet as a committee and lock those in later on.
"I'm really excited to be part of it in the 75th year."
He admitted he's not sure if he'll pull the boots on again and become a playing president, simply saying 'we'll see how the body goes when pre-season training rolls around', nor could he shed any light on CYMS' further recruitment plans.
He did acknowledge the 'rumour mill is going' but said the committee would meet in the coming days and weeks to identify any targets to bolster their 2020 list, and he wouldn't be drawn into suggestions his club might target available Oberon players.
The Tigers have grabbed headlines during the off-season after first releasing captain-coach Josh Starling and then being forced to withdraw from the premier league competition.
They look set to potentially join the second-tier New Era Cup, and the remaining eight Group 10 clubs are naturally circling the Tigers' top-flight talent.
"Our main priority is to retain our playing list from this year and then we'll look to add to it if we need to. Historically clubs that have done well in Group 10 have consolidated their local talent and then topped that up if needed, then filling gaps with more experienced players," Maley said.
Whether all of Mortimer's brothers join him on the field remains to be seen too, although Tim and Robbie look all but certain to once again don green and gold the potential movements of James and even Michael remain unknown.
While he didn't say much on Oberon's withdrawal or the Mudgee Dragons' off-season saga, he did concede losing the Tigers is a big blow.
"It is difficult for footy clubs these days, I'm sure they tried everything to stay in the competition," Maley said.
"Not long ago it was a seven team competition, then with Blayney and Oberon back it was nine. You always want more teams though."
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