Bathurst Bulldogs are set to play Wollongong University on Saturday, as they continue their preperation for the new 2018 Blowes Clothing Cup season.
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Coach Dean Oxley is looking at a near-full strength squad for the game against the students but there will be a few players unavailable.
While the Wollongong opposition may be different to what the Bulldogs boys would be use to, Oxley has done his homework.
“I know they came fourth in the Illawarra competition, which is a strong competition. Illawarra is always a key team at the country level,” he said.
“I expect their squad to have some depth, if they’re willing to come up here and play.”
Oxley has been happy with how the squad has been progressing throughout pre-season and cited Harry “Buzz” Webber, Joel Harper and Liam Berry as players that have been benefiting from a strong pre-season.
Justin Mobbs, who played second grade for the Bulldogs last season, is set to return to first grade this year but will swap from the backline to the second-row.
“He’s done a lot of work in training, listening and working hard,” Oxley said.
“I’ve been trying to change our style of play, by trying to open up our attack and have more flair, instead of being predictable.
“We’ve always had strong backlines, we just need to keep improving.”
First grade will kick-off at 2.15pm, at Ann Ashwood Park, with second grade to be played at 1pm.