Lloyd will continue coaching the first grade side from the sideline after a pectoral muscle injury suffered in a trail match against the Camden Rams at Les Boyd Oval two weeks ago ruled him out for most, if not all, of this season. 

He travelled with the boys to Trundle last weekend, where they won a trial match 28-18 against the home side. 

“We went into the game against Camden wanting to compete but against Trundle we wanted to win,” Lloyd said. 

He was pleased with his side’s effort, in particular the defence they did not let up with all game. 

He was particularly impressed with newcomer to the game of rugby league Josh Black, who switched from a rugby union background. 

“He made some outstanding charges through the middle,” Lloyd said. 

He also sang the praises of Jason Cronin, who is a product of the Cootamundra Junior Rugby League Club and younger senior Bulldogs side and is now finding his feet in the first grade side. 

At the game, a minute’s silence was held as players from both teams linked arms in memory of Cootamundra’s Jack Raleigh. 

While the plan of Lloyd and the Bulldogs committee was that he would lead from the front on the field, his injury has seen him re-evaluate this season and he is looking on the bright side.

“It is a lot easier to see what is going on from the sideline and to make any adjustments needed,” Lloyd said. 

That said, this is the first time he has been sidelined and he said it is frustrating he will more than likely take no further part on the field this season.

Cootamundra’s first Group Nine game will be against Junee on Saturday, April 1.

Lloyd said the boys will put in a couple of solid training sessions after a good session early this week to make themselves as match-fit as possible.

A win early, Lloyd said, will breed confidence for the rest of the season.

With the exception of Lloyd, all other Bulldogs troops are injury-free following the two trial matches.