Bulldogs co-coach Luke Berkrey has turned down an opportunity to play for Group Nine, citing a desire to focus on his club rather than representative honours.
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On Monday this week Berkrey was named in the Group Nine squad that will play Group 20 on Sunday May 3 at McDonalds Park, Wagga.
The match will be the last curtain-raiser before the 2015 AAMI Country v City Origin match that is tipped to draw a crowd of up to 10,000.
Berkrey decided not to take his place though, explaining his ongoing recovery from a cracked sternum means he can only play one match a weekend.
When forced to choose between club and group he was not prepared to give up a round with the Bulldogs.
“It is a tough decision but I want to put the club first, and this game does nothing to benefit our side,” he said.
“I went all the way to Newcastle last year and got hurt 20 seconds into the match, and that hurts the club and it’s not a risk I want to take this season.”
Cootamundra will still have five representatives in Group Nine squads on the day though, starting with Kristen and Renae Glanville in the leaguetag side to face Group 20.
Three under 18s locals will also take to the field as Haydn Cowled, Jared Prosser and James Smith look to stake their claim on a spot in the Bidgee Bulls side.
They will compete against the best of the best from Group 20 and Group Eight.
The Bulldogs have the bye this weekend following a gutsy win over Wagga Brothers at home in round two.
The early bye may not be good for the side’s momentum but will allow them to test a few early niggles and other injury concerns.
Round four matches have been moved forward to Saturday May 2 to accommodate the City v Country clash, and the Bulldogs will again be at home as they host Temora Dragons.
The Dragons lost 16-6 to Gundagai Tigers at home in round one and had the bye in round two, and will be eager to get points on the board when they travel to play Tumbarumba Greens this weekend.
