"IT'S Bathurst's turn, that's what it is and that's what it has to be."
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Those words highlight the belief Bathurst Bulldogs coach Dean Oxley has in his men and his desire to drive them to success in this year's Blowes Clothing Cup.
But while Oxley knows his players have the talent to lift the premiership trophy, he also knows they need the commitment and work ethic to match. Having been one of the proud men to wear a Bulldogs jumper in the past, he knows titles are hard-earned.
"The bridesmaid tag, we had that back some years ago when I was playing and we had to make a decision to stand our ground and change the outcomes that had been too frequent really. We are reaching that situation now from a coaching perspective," he said.
"We can win the competition if we continue to do the work and continue to grow as a team. We won't be handed anything, every victory throughout the year will be earned, so we have to be ready to play."
Come this Saturday when the Bulldogs travel to Cowra, they will most certainly have to be ready if they wish to remain on top of the ladder.
READ MORE: Bulldogs are undefeated across five grades
Like Oxley's men, Cowra is undefeated after four rounds and with the Eagles to hold the home field advantage, it adds another degree of difficulty to Bulldogs' task.
"Last year we were fortunate to get those three wins from three games against Cowra, but I know Cowra wants scalps so it's going to be on for sure," Oxley said.
"We played them up there last year when they had their Shute Shield game and we were quite fortunate to win to be honest. It was only very late in the game that we were able to convert some opportunities and get away with that.
"It's really a different kettle of fish playing in Cowra. They are a really quite passionate and proud rugby community up there."
While Bulldogs' line-up has changed slightly since last season when finishing as runners-up, Cowra has undergone bigger alterations. It's back line - which includes Argentinian fullback Garrizo Gonzarlo and talented centre Armani Woqabuli - is more of a threat.
Sill, rather than being apprehensive about facing a talented Eagles line-up, Oxley and his men relish the challenge.
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"It really is a true top of the table clash. With us both beating Emus by similar margins, there's probably not much between us," he said.
"With their new faces it's going to be hard to predict what's going to happen. It will very much be a learning experience for us on Saturday in regards to how they are going to play this year.
"They've achieved some high scoring matches, 40-odd points against Forbes is no mean feat. Normally they have an arm-wrestle, so obviously that indicates some changes in the way they are playing.
"Their forward pack has always been strong, but I know they've got some inclusions in the backs - yeah it will be a really good test."
Saturday's match at Cowra Rugby Ground kicks off at 3.15pm.
