Preview to the game
The Coota Bulldogs Under 15’s Rugby League side will be shooting for their fourth straight title at Temora this Saturday. The nucleus of this side has played in 6 straight deciders from Under 10’s.
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This side has always been the benchmark of the competition and over a six year period of competition football have lost only 6 matches.
Unfortunately the 2010 (Under 10’s) Grand Final which they lost by 4 points to Gundagai and the 2011 (Under 11’s) Grand Final which they lost to Young by 4 points were low points for the boys but from Under 12’s, 13’s and 14’s Premiership Glory has come their way with all three convincing wins over the Temora side.
As one would expect the side is full of talent and they have stood the test of time as other teams that have emerged as rivals have faded away.
The two teams have clashed twice this season with the Dogs getting out of jail at Nicholson Park courtesy of a late try and conversion from the sideline in the first encounter.
At Wagga six weeks ago the two sides could not be separated and played out a very tense draw.
James Howse, Wayne Parker, Jackson Bridge, Jayden Shepherd, James Wilson, Matt Knagge and Jack Caldwell have all represented Group nine at some stage and will be key figures tomorrow.
Front rower Parker destroyed Tumut in the Semi Final two weeks ago and will go into the match as the Dogs trump card up forward and along with fellow bookend James Howse will no doubt face a titanic struggle against a formidable Kangaroos pack.
Support will come from the ever reliable Josh Deep and the emerging Ben Maher. Joe Warner, Lachie Giddings and Jamin White add depth to the Dogs forward pack and with the Temora ground sure to be very heavy the game will no doubt won or lost up front.
Captain and half back James Wilson leads the side well around the paddock and his kicking game will be crucial as the Dogs will be keen to play as much of the match in Kangaroos territory as possible.
The Dogs have aces out wide with Jackson Bridge, Jack Caldwell, Jayden Shepherd, James Commins and Campbell Cooper Duck all capable of linking with creative five eight Matt Knagge to score points but it could be their defensive skills in what is expected to be a tight contest that could decide the issue.
The sides match up extremely with Roos guns Matt Fellows, Jackson Hughes, Dylan Arragon and Jack Flood all dangerous players in a side that is strong right across the paddock and always extremely hard to get on top of.
Ball control will be crucial and has been the Dog’s nemesis at times in the past but they are certainly capable of posting a winning score and must play smart football.
At their best the boys are a defensive dynamo, capable of applying crushing pressure on their opponents and keeping them on their line until an inevitable mistake hands them possession.
The Dogs also have great bench depth which will no doubt be crucial in what are expected to be very tough conditions.
The boys would like to thank all sponsors especially Cutting design and wish the Under 14’s all the best in the preceding decider.
The match is set to kick off at 3-30 at the Temora and Coaching and support staff are hoping for a massive Coota support group to be on hand.
Player profiles
1. Jackson Bridge – fast and elusive and safe under the high ball at fullback. Can score from anywhere on the field if given room to move.
2. James Commins – Quick and strong will add plenty of strength out wide. Good defender and reader of the play.
3. Ben Maher – Perhaps the most improved player in thecompetition this season. Massive work rate and loves to dominate a match.
4. Campbell Cooper-Duck – Has had a sensational season in both attack and defense. One of the most reliable members of the side.
5. Jayden Shepherd – Out for an extended period and will be warmly welcomed back tomorrow. Always the X factor in the lineup and could prove the difference tomorrow.
6. Matt Knagge – Hard working five eight who thrives on a challenge. A match winner on his day with a good all round game.
7. James Wilson (Captain) – Has had a very solid year and is right back to his dangerous best. Kicking game will be crucial and will provide a cool head at all times.
8. James Howse – Needs to work hard for the full 60 minutes and will carry the Dogs to victory. Great ball runner and punishing defender.
9. Jamin White – Excellent defensive hooker who also give great service from dummy half. What he lacks in size he makes up for in heart.
10. Wayne Parker – The most respected forward in the competition with a work rate to amaze. Right back to his devastating best and a key for the Dogs tomorrow.
11. Lachlan Giddings – Has really come of age this season as a key member of the Dogs forward pack. Big and strong has grown in maturity and confidence.
12. Joe Warner – Another to make a huge impact this season. Sound in defence but is a great broken field runner and will make plenty of yards tomorrow.
13. Josh Deep – Supreme team man who gives his all every week. Most underated but ever reliable and highly regarded by his team mates.
14. Jack Caldwell – Has had an interrupted season with injury after representing Group Nine with distinction early in the year. Made a huge impact in the Semi Final two weeks ago and will be crucial tomorrow.
15. Jessie Daley – Has had a very consistant season as a winger, safe in defence and whenever targeted by opposition kickers. Will play a vital role during the match.
16. Jacob Sutherland – Another who has had a consistant season and committed member of the side. Plays his role extremely well and will be important tomorrow.
17. Connor Thornley – First year player who has spent time up forward and in the backs. Plenty of courage and ability and always makes an impact once injected into the match.
18. Sam Sheahan – Under 14’s Captain who is looking at a massive day tomorrow. Untold ability with plenty of work ethic to go with it. Will be injected into the match at some stage and as has been the case in the past will stand up to all and sundry.
19. Tom Miller – Another star from the Under 14s side who has always been an asset to the Under 15’s. Straight ahead runner and strong defender who rounds the side off nicely.