Announcing his decision at the recent Group 6 presentation evening at Mittagong RSL Club, Dayball contemplated retiring last season.

``The job is just getting harder and harder and I'm losing the passion for it,'' Dayball said.

``Rugby league is going through a very difficult stage at the moment and it's been a very hard season for us.

``I worked very hard and was always conscientious but there's a lot of time involved in the job and I just need a rest.

``I've been psyching myself up for retiring for a few months and I thought I'd be upset but I'm not, so I think I'll feel free when I retire.''

Dayball's role as secretary, the longest-serving Group 6 has witnessed, has spanned 15 years during his 36-year involvement with Group 6.

Entering Group 6 as a Campbelltown Collegians player in the early 1970s, Dayball became a referee and had the honour of being in charge of the first grade grand final in 1992 when The Oaks beat Picton 15-4.

``I've seen some fantastic grand finals and refereed in three an under-17, a reserve grade and one first grade grand final,'' Dayball said.

Dayball has been involved in making many changes during his career with Group 6, including introducing grand final winners' medals and has a few ideas which he believes could benefit Group 6. ``The lack of first grade teams this season is disappointing,'' Dayball said.

``I'd like to see more first grade teams and clubs not having so many imports and have mainly local players instead, to get back to the old fashioned town versus town syndrome. I believe that would bring back the crowds because they have been down this season.''