A MAN once given the keys to the city of Canberra will lead the charge for a Crookwell invitational line-up set to tackle the Goulburn Workers Bulldogs on Saturday.
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Canberra Raiders legend Jason Croker will skipper the All Stars in a match that’s shaping up to be far more than a regular trial. All gate takings at the Crookwell Memorial Oval will go towards the purchase of floodlights for the Green Devils Rugby League Club.
A sportsmen’s dinner will be held after the match, with raffles and memorabilia to cap the fundraising pool. To add further spice to the occasion, former Goulburn stalwart Mick Dodson will turn out for the hosts and tackle his once beloved club.
While the All Stars will feature an abundance of talent, they’ll face a firedup Bulldogs outfit desperate to avenge a 16-14 loss to Jamberoo at the weekend.
It won’t be a match for the fainthearted. Young Cherrypickers Brent Crisp and Adam Slater will feature in the hosts line-up, as will Bathurst talents Wade Judd and Cameron Neville, ex- Goulburn muscle Dodson and Jeremy Braun and group 20 star Jayden Kelly.
Dodson, the man who led the Bulldogs to premiership success in 2009, could hardly contain his excitement.
“It’ll be funny to play Goulburn. It’s a chance for me to have a run for Crookwell and raise money for a good cause,” he said.
“I reckon it’s a good idea. Crookwell’s under 16s play in the Friday night comp but they don’t have any lights. That has to change.
“We’re hoping this might become a regular fixture. This year we can help Crookwell and maybe next year Goulburn can host a sportsman’s dinner.”
The Crookwell Invitational Devils will wrap up preparations for the showdown with a training run on Friday night. Spectators can be expect to see a well-drilled Devils unit put through their paces by Croker, a man with 317 NRL appearances and five State of Origins next to his name.
By the same token, the Bulldogs - coached by former Roosters rake James Aubusson - will expect to put their front foot forward with the Canberra Raiders Cup season only three weeks away. The afternoon of rugby league will kick-off at 2.30pm when the Crookwell Green Devils under 16s square off with the Young Cherrypicker juniors. The main event will commence at 5pm.
