More than half of the representative team for this weekend’s Western Rams cluster at Jack Arrow Park hails from the city, with Bathurst players filling key roles and positions for the five-time defending champions.

It’s a similar story to Group 10’s recent premiership-winning Western Women’s Rugby League premiership side that boasted eight Bathurst players in the squad.

One of the Bathurst members who has played across both Group 10 teams, Meredith Jones, said the tackle experience will benefit her and other dual-representative players.

“I was fortunate enough to play Group 10 rugby league with a lot of the Panthers girls as well. They’ve also got so much to offer when we go up against them,” she said.

“Getting the opportunity to play alongside them, especially Amy Hewitt, Jess Hotham and Monique Christie-Johnson, is great. As a trio they bring so much to the team.

“Playing tackle was a great insight into the game. There’s similar kind of skills but you have to approach the game a bit differently. 

“It gives you bit more confidence when you run the ball, especially knowing you aren’t going to be tackled.”

Claire Woolmington, Erin Naden, Mish Somers, Nicole Schneider, Lailee Phillips, Bronte Emanuel and Kaitlyn Phillips are the other Bathurst players involved in the match.

The Group 10 team is further bolstered by the likes of Blayney Bears fullback Sophie Stammers and Orange Hawks’ Bec Ford.

Group 10 take on Woodbridge Cup’s representative team at 10.30am. Group 11 play Castlereagh/Barwon in the other clash.

The final will take place at 12.45pm.

Jones believes all the signs at training point towards another strong run for the Group 10 team but the squad need to stay alert in their match against Woodbridge.

“You never know what’s happened to them in a year. They’ll probably show up and be strong on the weekend,” Jones said.

“We’re really happy with we’re we are at though. We had training on Wednesday night and there was a really positive attitude from everyone in the team.

“Hopefully no matter what the other groups throw at us we’ve got a lot going on in our team that’s going to be beneficial for the weekend.

“We also played a game at training against the Pat’s girls, which gave us a great run around.

“We’re expecting some really challenging games but if training’s anything to go by we should do well.”