The Mustangs have at least nine quality players returning to the club, including Richie Roberts, who was the Group Three Player of the Year in 2017.

The hard working forward is joined by coach Russell Lardner, Chris Piper, Jesse Douglas, Tyler Roberts, Tyreece Sines, Stephan Blair, Dylan Adams and Josef Barber.

The consensus between the players is they have transferred to the Mustangs to ensure their hometown club has a future.

Barber, who grew up playing for the Smithtown Tigers, Kempsey Dragons and played for Macleay Valley in under-18s and first grade, has rejoined the Mustangs after a stint with the South West Rocks Marlins.

"I saw what happened to the club last year and I didn't want that to happen again," Barber told the Argus.

"Russell is a great coach, I have a couple of good mates here and we are going to fight for our hometown club."

Piper, who has been one of the instrumental forwards for the Breakers during their reign at the top of Group Three, has made the move to the Mustangs in an attempt to strengthen the club.

"I see this as a bit of a challenge," Piper said. "We have an opportunity to build something here and create a competitive side to compete with the top teams in Group Three.

"Hopefully we can get the club back to being consistent on the field."

Piper, who has nearly 20 seasons of rugby league under his belt, also plans to mentor the younger players.

"There's a lot of young fellas in the side and I want to set an example for them on how to approach training and gameday," Piper said.

The new-look Macleay Valley side will take to the field for the first time in a pre-season trial against the Sharks in Port Macquarie this Saturday.

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