AFTER coming within a try of redemption against the Orange Emus the Bathurst Bulldogs are fired up to get back into the winner's circle in their game away to Forbes Platypi.
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And Sean Fogarty is one of those players the Bulldogs will turn to in order to make that happen.
Fogarty will be part of what's expected to be another great battle between the two forward packs, as Forbes look to inject some spark into their season while Bulldogs hope to reclaim third place on the ladder.
Given the Bulldogs have the bye for the last round of the regular season there's added pressure on the blue and gold men this weekend.
The Bulldogs prop wants to lay the groundwork for his backs to go to work - an area where he's confident the Dogs will have the advantage.
"Forbes will be keen for a win. They've only got one chance after this, but it's a must-win for us as well," he said.
"It should be a great game. They've got a lot of talent in that side. It's very even in the forward pack, in the lineouts and the scrum. They're good in the ruck too, getting over the ball nice and quick. I think the backs are going to be our strength."
Bulldogs will be trying to do all that with a couple of big changes to the team.
Fly-half Scott Johnston's hamstring injury has proven too significant to overcome in time for this Saturday's clash.
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The Bathurst side will shift Brad Glasson to the number 10 position to take his place and bring Kurt Weekes up from second grade to fill the scrum-half role - the same halves duo who finished the game against Emus.
On top of that, the Bulldogs will be without their big recruit Abel Lefaoseu in the centres.
However, where one rugby league gun exits another one takes his place in fellow former St Pat's member Mitch Squire.
The backline has been fairly consistent for the Bulldogs over this season but the past few weeks have thrown a spanner in the works for the club, putting their depth to the test.
Bulldogs come into the game off a 27-22 loss to the unbeaten Emus, a result that's enough to fill any side with confidence.
"Obviously we weren't far away and we're evenly matched. The good thing about this time around was that we came back to make it close, and we pressured them all the way," Fogarty said.
"We're definitely not far off them. We need to work on a few things and just put less pressure on ourselves.
"If we're able to do that then we'll get close to them in finals time - if we get another crack at them."
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Alexander Grant
Part of the Western Advocate's sports desk in Bathurst.
Part of the Western Advocate's sports desk in Bathurst.
