The barnstorming front rower was one of the key's for CSU as they took out the 2020 North Cup, the students losing just one game on their way to premiership glory.

But in the pursuit of a new challenge, Kennedy has made the move to Bathurst Bulldogs to compete in the Ferguson Cup.

That she already knew plenty of the Bulldogs has helped the transition.

"I think this competition has got a higher standard, that was probably the main reason," she said of her move.

"I have a fair few friends over there so it was a pretty easy move actually, and I played with a few of the girls in league. I knew pretty much the whole squad and the coaches too, so it was really good."

Kennedy, who also played for CSU in 2019, has enjoyed a good pre-season for her new club.

They've won the Cowra 10s and Orange City 10s as well as a trial against CSU as they build towards the new season - one in which Bulldogs start as the four-time defending premiers.

Kennedy said lining up against her former team-mates was a little tricky.

"I guess it was hard because they knew my style of play, it meant I had to change a few things," she said.

"But obviously they had to change a few things too because I knew a few of their plays."

Kennedy said in general there has not been a lot of difference in the style of rugby Bulldogs play as opposed to CSU, but that she is now part of a more experienced forward pack means she can concentrate on her own role more.

"There are more quicker players at Bulldogs but the style isn't different, not really, it's pretty much the same. It's go forward then spread it wide to the backs," she said.

"It's pretty good, you go in there knowing what you have to do. Obviously there are other parts of the game you need to focus on, but you can really focus on your own game."

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Focus is something she will need come this Saturday when Bulldogs meet fierce rivals Orange Emus in their season-opener at Ashwood Park.

They'll play under lights, with kick-off set for 6.30pm.

"Obviously Jacky [Lyden] will be a bit of a handful and in the mix for them, but I guess everyone has probably got a new side this year, because of COVID there will be a lot of players coming back, there'll be a lot of development I think this year which will grow the game more," Kennedy said.

As well as lining up as part of the Bulldogs' pack in 2021, Kennedy will also work with some of the Central West's emerging talents in a coaching capacity.

Along with fellow Bulldog Marita Shoulders, Kennedy is coaching the Central West under 18s girls side which will head to Kiama for the Country Championships on May 1-2.

Kennedy has previously coached rugby league and league tag sides in her home town Warialda, while in 2019 she mentored the Central West under 13 girls rugby 7s outfit.

"I do enjoy coaching, it's definitely something I'm looking forward to doing when I finish playing," she said.

The under 18s squad will have their final training session this weekend ahead of the championships.

"There are a lot of new girls to the sport once again, but we'll try our best with what we've got," Kennedy said.

"We've got a good forward pack actually, there are a couple of star players that stand out, and other than that they should work well as a team."

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