The Lions entered the pre-season with a new-look roster as players from different walks of life came together to contest an abbreviated campaign.

Second-year coach Viv Paasi spent the bulk of the pre-season implementing gameplans and structures, as well as some of the core values he'd like players to live by throughout his tenure at the helm.

While this is a crucial process for any new playing group, it can put a hold on a side's progression.

So, for the Lions to go within two scores of a championship - during what was supposed to be a rebuilding year - well, that's impressive.

Paasi admits there's a few players leaving the Lions ahead of 2021 but is excited to pick up where he left off with a largely similar playing group, suggesting the transition from the practice paddock to the field will be a smoother one.

"We know that we can go to another level," Paasi said.

"We're not trying to lay a whole new foundation again. We had to do that at the start of the season as so many guys hadn't played with each other before.

"Everyone knows what's expected of them and what their responsibility is."

The Lions certainly have the confidence they can return to the postseason this year but it's worth mentioning who will be departing.

Rakai Tuheke, Tom Nell, Steven Widders, Eman Rodriguez and Tom Mencinsky will leave, but the side is set to retain the bulk of last year's roster, including Joe Lasagavibau and Sia Nemani who made a pre-season swap from rugby league.

Paasi is also excited to bring up some of the talented Colts players that are at the club, citing a host of different prospects.

"Harry West is one of the guys, so is Logan Buckley and Henry Bouffler," he said.

"80 percent of the Colts from last year are going to be Colts again this year but those guys are three of the picks.

"Harry Grant's another guy... we started to blood a few of them in grade last year."

All in all, it's shaping as a fruitful year for the City and that's largely attributable to what's happening behind the scenes.

"There's been a shift in momentum across the board," he said.

"The way everything's happening with administration is really good.

"There's new people who have come in who just have so much energy." City will start pre-season training on Wednesday February 27.