Bathurst Bulldogs ready to start new Blowes Clothing Cup season against Dubbo Kangaroos

In fact, it's as close to half-and-half as you can get.

Bulldogs may only be having eight grand final starters lining up in the run-on 15 for the meeting away to Dubbo Kangaroos but despite the changes their appetite for victory hasn't weakened.

They'll need every bit of that desire against a 'Roos side who were one of only two teams - the other being eventual champions Orange Emus - to beat the Bulldogs across the 2018 season.

Preparation has been patchy for the blue and gold.

They had an encouraging trial win over Merewether but last weekend's follow up trial against Blue Mountains was cancelled due to rain.

Their coach Dean Oxley was away on the Central West Rugby Union representative tour of New Zealand as has had limited time to work with his full team in the lead up to the opening round.

"We've trained as a club for most of the pre-season but have only had a week together as a team so it's really going to be a starting point this weekend, to be honest, but we're really motivated to get the win," Oxley said.

"The rained-out trial was an opportunity missed to see people against one another. We had players who were going to go head-to-head for a first grade spot, so we're flying a little bit blind."

Oxley said there's lessons from last year's finals series his team need to take on board, especially when it comes to picking the right moments to spread the ball wide.

"We've really improved in our wide attack, in our ability to stretch teams and score tries there, particularly during the round games. It got a bit tighter during the semis," he said.

"We couldn't get the job done against an experienced Orange Emus side but I'll be looking to see the growth from those players who were a part of that grand final side.

Keep up to date with the latest sports news by clicking here.

"Due to availability and injury we only have eight starters from that grand final. It's a test of depth but also an opportunity for those players who were selected in second grade last year to push through and claim their spot."

Peter Fitzsimmons returns to captain the team, but will be doing so from hooker instead of the number 8 position he occupied last season.

Joel Harper and Aaron Booby start alongside him in a strong front row.

Mark Donnelly, Alex Weal, Ben Sheppeard, Adam Miles and Harry Webber are the other grand final starters remaining in the run-on 15.

Miles and Scott Johnston combine for a new-look 9 and 10 combination.

"Our front row is an important factor because there's three representative players who can give us a great platform to launch from, and our set piece is based around their strength," Oxley said.

"Harry Webber is back at outside centre and he was an instrumental part of our team last year as the leading try scorer. He was the best-performed back in Central West in rep football and was a Country trialist so we're looking for another step up from him this year."