That’s a dilemma facing the Bathurst Bulldogs heading into the 2019 season of rugby.

There’s been no shortage of players signing up to try their hand at third grade but with only four clubs entering teams in this year’s Central West Rugby Union competition there’s a hunger for more rugby.

Bulldogs president Greg Reid said the issue was a prominent talking point at the club’s recent annual general meeting.

“We’re looking at our grades and we’re not sure whether third grade will go around so we’re investigating whether we can put two teams in the New Holland Cup next year to try and help grow rugby,” he said.

“We had a lot of numbers last year and we didn’t provide enough rugby because of the competition’s structure so we’ve ended up pushing a lot of people away.”

Only Bulldogs, Orange Emus, Orange City and Dubbo Kangaroos took part in last year’s third grade competition as regular first grade sides Cowra Eagles and Forbes Platypi were unable to field a side.

Reid believes the club needs to consider the idea of travelling to separate towns on the same Saturday if Bulldogs are to maintain numbers.

“We have to change our mindset if we want to evolve and grow,” he said.

“Playing all games together during away rounds may not be how we operate in the future. 

“The women played 75 per cent of their games with us and the rest of them they travelled alone. Colts might be in the same boat.

“If a town can produce a colts team then we should travel to play them and do whatever we can to play more rugby.”

Bulldogs lost this year’s third grade decider 10-0 to Orange Emus.

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