The Bathurst Bulldogs know that they will face a huge challenge if they are to retain their Central West Rugby Union title, but the defending champions can’t wait to start the new season.
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After training hard during the off-season, the Bulldogs are eager to hit the park for their opening round match against the Orange Emus at Ashwood Park tomorrow night.
They have lost some experience with the likes of Paul Miller, Adam Dwyer and Jono Cody all moving on, but have also recruited well.
Country scrumhalf Tom Hollis and former Manly first grader Stephen Locke will form a new halves combination while former Cowra second rower James Stanbridge will strengthen the forward pack.
Stanbridge moved from Cowra to take a job with Bathurst Regional Council and also made the switch from the Eagles to the Bulldogs.
Already the Blayney product has impressed Bulldogs coach Murray Hooper, who believes he will play an important role this season.
“This is his first year at the club. He came over in the off season after a successful year at Cowra and he is a good asset for the Bulldogs,” Hooper said.
“He is a straight running, tight playing forward who will fit in very well.”
Stanbridge admits he is surprised to have been in the run on side so quickly, but is looking forward to making the most of the opportunity.
“It was a bit of a shock to be picked so soon,” he said.
“I got some time during the charity match but I had missed other games because I’ve been playing cricket for Rugby.”
The former Eagle said he didn’t have to change his style much to fit in with the Bulldogs because the teams were very similar in style.
“They [Cowra and Bathurst] are pretty much the same. At the Bulldogs you do more training so it gives you more of a chance to work on your fitness.”
Stanbridge had two seasons with Cowra where he switched between the second row and prop. He has been named in the second row for the game against Emus
“I’m a second rower but last year I was playing prop. I lost a bit of weight over the off season so I don’t think I’ll be playing prop this season,” he said.
One game Stanbridge is particularly looking forward to is the round five clash against the Eagles at Ashwood Park when he will line up against his former team-mates for the first time.
“I’m pretty keen to play them and I’m sure they’re keen to play me. I’m sure there will be a bit of niggle there,” he said.
Hooper is just as eager for tomorrow’s match and he is expecting a tough encounter against Emus.
“Emus are shaping up to be competitive, they have some good, young talent and some old heads as well,” the coach said.
“It will be good to start the season off with a night game and the Emus have been very accommodating of that.
“Playing at night shouldn’t be a problem for either team because just about everyone trains at night.
“We had a session on Tuesday and it was a bit slippery, so that is something the players will have to watch.”
The match between Bulldogs and Emus gets underway at Ashwood Park from 7pm tomorrow night.
BATHURST BULLDOGS: 1 Chris Plunkett, 2 Alex Weal, 3 Andrew Warren, 4 Lachlan Bull, 5 James Stanbridge, 6 Izaak Breen, 7 Gus Cleaver, 8 Hayden Tidswell, 9 Tom Hollis, 10 Stephen Locke, 11 Ryan McCarthy, 12 Scott Johnston, 13 Ray Lange, 14 Jake Gallaway, 15 Phil Tonkin.
