"Yeah I remember the Shelbyville tip turkeys," the Bulldogs' new first XV coach laughed.

As was the case when Leseberg was last involved with Bulldogs, any game against Orange Emus is always one the Bathurst outfit is keen to win.

Last year the Emus were crowned the undefeated premiers of a season impacted by COVID-19, surviving a hard fought semi-final against Bulldogs - there was only six points in it - on their way to glory.

It was Emus' fourth premiership in seven years and helped them avenge their 2019 grand final loss to Bulldogs.

But that matters little to Leseberg. He was not there to witness those battles and his focus is on what lies ahead at Ashwood Park on Saturday rather than what has happened in seasons past.

He has no preconceived notions about players either, he's had to learn about his squad from pre-season training and a pair of trials against Warringah Colts and Merewether Carlton.

"I haven't been around the club for 10 years, this is my comeback season, so I know the faces that have been coming to pre-season, that's all I've got," he said.

"We're pretty comfortable with what we have, we think there's a good side in there. Obviously it's the beginning of the season and there's a lot to work on, but we think we've got some good talent.

"Hopefully we're ready to play them and if we're not now, five minutes before we run on we definitely and certainly will be. We'll have to see what happens, but the boys will be switched on."

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While Leseberg is still learning about his squad and how they will shape up, he does have a host of proven talent to work with.

The forward pack includes the likes of Central West representatives Matt Trapp, Justin Mobbs and skipper Peter Fitzsimmons, while Will Oldham has returned after sitting out 2020.

Former Blowes Cup player of the year Brad Glasson will have the job of guiding the side from flyhalf while Josh Weekes is at fullback.

After playing for the Tuggeranong Vikings last season Hunter Davis has returned to Bathurst and will partner new recruit Sione Naufahu, who played league in the St Pat's side which recently won the Western under 21s competition, in the centres.

On the wings will be two members of the 2019 premiership side in Adam Plummer and Harry 'Buzz' Webber.

On paper it is a side Emus will need to work hard to beat, but as Leseberg points out, Bulldogs will have three meetings with the greens during the regular season and if things don't work on Saturday they have time to adjust.

"At this point in time we don't know who they've got, who they've lost. We've had discussions about what they've done previously, but we've just got to go forward with what we're confident in doing," he said.

"If we have to make adjustments we will, if we don't have to we won't. We're not playing in the World Cup you know, so we've just got to stick to what we do best and if we do that, we shouldn't have a problem.

"We have plenty of time to work on it and figure it out, but we'll turn up and give them a show."

First grade's season opener will kick off at 4.45pm at Ashwood Park.

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