Two Cootamundra Bulldogs have been selected in the Riverina opens side to take on Western Division this Saturday night at West Wyalong.
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Outgoing Bulldogs captain-coach Matt Forsyth and hooker James Woolford were named in the squad announced on Monday night.
Coach Luke Berkrey said it's a great opportunity with limited representative football on the Country Rugby League calendar for players over 23 years of age.
"They both had good seasons and are proven good first grade players," Berkrey said.
"They would both be stoked to get this opportunity with limited representative footy for the older guys."
Woolford is expected to start at hooker while Forsyth will come off the bench in the halves, hooker or backs.
"James will play how he does every week. He makes every tackle and he's a crisp passer of the ball," Berkrey said.
"Matty is very versatile and can play a number of roles. He might jump into hooker or the halves, backs. He can handle it."
Overall, Berkrey was pleased to name such a strong squad at this time of year.
"I thought it'd be tough so it's great to have so many players keen to play rep footy. We're playing a strong side but I think we'll give them a run for their money," he said. The 23s Riverina side will tackle Western Division in the game prior.
Bulldogs Player of the Year Hayden Cowled is expected to play a key role in the forwards while Luke Levitt has also been named.
Berkrey, who coached Group Nine's under 23s to victory over Group 20 recently, said Cowled was best on ground that day.
"He's getting and better as he gets older and I think he could push for higher honours out of this game, and if Luke gets an opportunity I'm sure he'll put his best foot forward."
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