BATHURST Panthers and St Pat’s have learned they will both have a tough start to next year’s Group 10 premier league season, following the release of the draw this week.
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Panthers will start their season on April 9 against 2016’s wooden spooners Lithgow Workies at Carrington Park but will travel to take on this year’s runner-up Orange CYMS the following weekend.
Pat’s will have their work cut out for them with away games against defending champions Mudgee Dragons then CYMS in their opening two weeks.
The Bathurst derby retains its place in the third round of the competition.
Panthers coach Todd Barrow said Workies shouldn’t be underestimated when they make their way to Bathurst.
“They’ll be keen to turn things around from last year. They’ve been busy signing up players in the off-season. We’ll have to be on our game,” he said.
CYMS defeated Panthers 22-20 in this year’s major semi-final. A win for the men in black against the Orange club will go some way to putting the disappointment of the 2016 finals season behind them.
“They’re always strong, always buy well and they’ve done that again this off-season,” Barrow said of CYMS.
“We went with them at the end of last season and with a bit of luck things could have been different for us. I know the boys are already looking to that game.
“Then the local derby the following week is always the one you circle on the calendar.”
On the blue and white side of the fence things could start much tougher.
Pat’s coach Kurt Hancock said his players will need some strong preparation in the pre-season to go toe-to-toe with this year’s two grand final outfits.
“I’d say Mudgee would have pretty much the same side they won with and CYMS are going to be strong again,” he said.
“A start like that is going to be a challenge, but it is what it is. With the derby, those first three games will have a big gauge on our pre-season.
“Since I’ve been here [as Pat’s coach] we’ve usually started well in our first three to four games but this will test us.”
Hancock said his younger players will learn a lot from a tough start to the season.
“We want to try and stay sustainable and focus on using our younger players. This will be a great test for those younger guys,” he said.
“Your first six weeks can set your season up, so pre-season will be tough.”
Panthers will close out their 2017 regular season with three straight home matches against Cowra Magpies, Dragons and Oberon Tigers.
Pat’s will have to play away for their last three weeks. Their travels will take them to Workies, Blayney Bears and Orange Hawks.
