After 10 years of unequivocal service - several as captain - two undefeated premierships, a grand final loss and countless priceless moments in orange and green, Josh Tremain will not play for the Orange City Lions in 2015.
Instead, he will line up in the sky blue, navy blue and cardinal of Dubbo Kangaroos.
The heart and soul of Orange City's Blowes Clothing Cup first grade sides since 2004, Tremain made the decision to uproot and move to Dubbo for work reasons.
As a result, the prospect of travelling back and forth two, three and even four times a week to remain a Lion was too much.
"I felt like I wouldn't be able to give City my absolute best efforts, which wouldn't benefit me or them," Tremain said.
"It was an incredibly tough decision to make, I love Orange City and wish I could stay there forever, but I needed to move on for reasons outside rugby.
"A few of the younger guys were disappointed when I told them, but the more senior guys understood as did the club members. I hope there isn't any bad blood from anyone, and I doubt there will be."
Tremain is set to meet his now former teammates at Orange City in round two, at Dubbo's No.1 Oval, but won't return to Pride Park until round 11, on July 4, in the return fixture.
"It'll definitely be interesting the first time I play against Orange City, I'm sure there will be a fair bit of banter from the sidelines," Tremain laughed.
"It will be good though, the whole thing is a new challenge for me. I've always found when I go to a new environment, or team, or different level it brings out my best rugby.
"Hopefully this is a chance to freshen up, and play some really good footy for the 'Roos."
Tremain, a former NSW Country Cockatoo, looks set to slide straight into the 'Roos No.2 jersey, replacing current Cockatoos hooker Peter Nau, who will try his luck in Sydney in 2015.
"I've spoken to the guys at 'Roos, and that's the plan," he said.
"It's a bit disappointing I was hoping to play with Pete (Nau) at club level, but it opens up the hooker position, and I think they're looking for me to fill that spot.
"I've always thought I play my best rugby at hooker, even though they're big shoes to fill. I know there are some older guys at the club sticking their hands up again, it looks like while 'Roos are losing a few the side will still be very strong.
"I'm actually really looking forward to training starting next week."
