"WE beat them last year and I don't see any reason why we can't be a good chance to beat them again."
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That's how Bathurst Bulldogs skipper Mel Waterford sees this weekend's Chikarovski Cup campaign as NSW Country attempts to take down their two metro rivals at Narrabeen.
The Cup serves as a pathway towards potential 2020 Buildcorp Super W but a lot of Country team members see it as a great opportunity to show the city players what they're made of.
Waterford is the sole Bathurst name among a large group of Central West representatives.
Central West dominates the squad with nine players selected for the two day carnival against Sydney Gold and Blue.
Waterford, who returns again to the Country squad, likes what she sees in the Country camp.
"It's great that we've carried a few of our Central West combinations into the Country team. Obviously it comes off a really successful Country Championships campaign for the Central West.
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"For a lot of them it's their first time in, or they haven't been in for the while. It's a newer team but it's got a really good feel about it. They're keen to get in there and have a go.
"Some of them aren't as experienced in 15s but you wouldn't be able to tell from the training camp we had two weeks ago.
"The coaches were really organised. They had some exciting structures and combinations going so hopefully we can bring it together on the day and challenge the Sydney teams."
The two day camp in Singleton was an encouraging one for a country team who retained much of their experienced core while welcoming in a host of new talent.
Other Central West players named in the country team are Kimberly Fyfe, Krystal Fyfe, Jacky Lyden, Lillyann Mason-Spice, Emily McDonald, Alahna Ryan, Kenesha Stevens and Milika Tuinakauvadra.
A key difference in the city-plays-country clash this year is Sydney fielding two teams instead of one.
Waterford is a big fan of the change.
"It gives more of the Sydney girls a go. Last year we actually had a few of the Sydney girls zoned into our region," she said.
"This time they're in their own two zones and that's given more country girls the chance to come and play."
NSW Country plays Sydney Blue in the opening match on Saturday from 1pm at the Sydney Academy of Sport.
Country plays gold from 11am the following morning while the Sydney derby is Monday from 11am.