THE Goulburn Workers Bulldogs kick off their 2016 Canberra Raiders Cup preparations on Saturday, when they take on Sydney Club Mounties at Crookwell’s Memorial Oval in their first preseason trial game.
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After finishing the 2015 season runners up to the Queanbeyan Blues the Bulldogs will field a new look squad from last year’s grand final outfit.
Gone from last year’s team are Michael Dodson, Ritchie Mason, Shane McCallum, and Tim Turner to retirement.
The Clubs best and fairest, Blake Hewitt, has gone to England for the year and the playing futures of Codie Medway, Ben Marmont, and Michael Bani remain uncertain.
The Bulldogs however still boast a squad that features experienced campaigners in Captain / Coach Michael Picker, Country First’s backrower Joe Picker, CRRL representative Hooker Ben Picker and Winger Junior Vatikani, Country First’s prop Sam Conlon, and exciting back rower Matt Worboys.
Mix this calibre of player with the Club’s up and coming youngsters and new signing from rival CRRL clubs Marc Berthelot (Blues) and George Hewitt (Bulls) anything is possible.
The Mounties Club they face on Saturday are wrapping up their preseason preparation before the NSW Cup kicks off in around three weeks’ time.
Mounties will be sending various players from all their competitions along on Saturday to press for selection in their respective starting squads.
Players from their NSW Cup, Ron Massey Cup and Sydney Shield teams will all be in action pressing for final selection for when their respective competitions kicks off.
Will the Bulldogs be up against it? Yes they probably will. Will they be competitive and there to play football? With a never say die attitude, you bet they will.
Saturday’s games at Crookwell’s Memorial Oval kick off at 4pm for the Reserve Grade game and around 5.30pm for the First Grade game. Don’t be surprised if some of the players who are on Goulburn’s retired list lace up the boots for a final hit out.
