Blowes Clothing Cup: Bathurst Bulldogs face tough trip to play Cowra Eagles in round three

As every side goes into the weekend's Blowes Clothing Cup action sporting a 1-1 record Bulldogs have to make the tough trip west to play an Eagles side flying high after their crushing win over Orange City.

Bulldogs couldn't share in the same joy following their one point defeat at the hands of Dubbo Kangaroos.

Johnston said it's exciting to see all six sides in the competition already showcasing their potential.

"Everyone's still sorting themselves out a bit so it's going to be an interesting season after we've seen the few couple of results going all over the shop," the fly half said.

"The beauty of it too is that we play each other three times this year so hopefully by the end of the season we'll have worked each other out."

Cowra 36-point mauling of the Lions was an impressive way to hit back after their big round one loss to Forbes.

Johnston said he expects not much to change among the Cowra ranks from the way they've played in the past, with their forward pack laying much of the groundwork through the centre of the park.

"I think Cowra will be strong by the sounds of things, and their pack has always shown a lot of strength no matter how they're going," he said.

"Their also one of those sides that when you play them at home they're almost a 20-point better side with the crowd behind them. I expect them to be physical once again.

"In the time that I've been playing Cowra they've played similar football. They've always been a side that you've got to beat in the forwards, and stop their go-forward. I'd anticipate that's where the game will be won and lost on the weekend."

Johnston believes the new-look Bulldogs outfit is still finding a bit of its identity in 2021 but he's been happy with the glimpses of potential he's witnessed.

"Last weekend was a bit disappointing. We spoke a bit this week about execution. We created a lot of opportunities but we just didn't turn them into points, especially in the first half, and that came back to bite us," he said.

"We're a fairly young side going forward and there's been a couple of changes from the teams we've had over the last couple of years. I think it's just a matter of getting combinations worked out. Every week we should get better and better.

"We'll have Zac Taylor come into the team this week after Harry Peacock was given a blue card on the weekend. I think Zac will make a big difference to our forward pack this game. He plays with a lot of aggression."

Forbes' pair of bonus points over the opening two games give them a one-point advantage over the five other teams going into this Saturday.

The match in Cowra gets underway at 3.15pm.

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