THE Cootamundra Bulldogs are gearing up for one of their biggest months ever as they celebrate 100 years next month.
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We are only two weekends away from the celebration which will involve a dinner, the announcement of Les Boyd Oval (the playing surface at Fisher Park), the announcement of the Team of the Half Century and of course a game of footy with the Bulldogs to take on the South City Bulls in their first home ground hitout of the season.
Already 160 tickets have been sold with organisers encouraging others to get organised and purchase their tickets as soon as possible.
Before all this though, attention turns to this weekend’s season opener against the Young Cherrypickers in Young.
Bulldogs co-coach Mark Elia is excited to get the season underway.
“I am confident we have a strong side this year,” Elia said.
The side is bolstered by a number of new recruits this year including winger Fine Faingaa, Nick English from Sawtell who will play at hooker, and Luke Levett from Maroubra (originally from Young) who will fill the hooker/utility position.
The side will also feature the likes of local boy Ben Witneden, who has been out of action for the past two seasons with a shoulder injury and then a knee injury.
This year the Bulldogs will be without long-time captain Aaron Byrne.
Elia said this has left a gap in the side with Byrne a natural leader.
“We have had to change our style, however we have the side to do it,” Elia said.
“He was a dominant style of player and it will be up to our senior players to fill the void,” he added.
Having let a little go in the size department from last season, Elia said the side will instead focus on their mobility around the ground.
The Bulldogs have had a busy pre-season most recently playing a trial match in Yanco against the Bidgee Hurricanes which they won convincingly.
They have also played in the West Wyalong Knockout.
Elia said these pre-season games have been all about ensuring the boys are match fit when the Group Nine season starts.
Carrying no injuries from these games, Elia and co-coach Grant Boyd will have a full complement of players to choose from leading into this weekend’s game.
Local league fans, supporters, players, sponsors and their families are also invited to tomorrow night’s Cootamundra Rugby League Club season launch at major sponsor the Globe Hotel, commencing at 6pm in the dining room.
