Five Bathurst Bulldogs named in Central West's Caldwell Cup squad

Plummer is one of five Bathurst Bulldogs who have been named in the Central West side which this weekend will aim to defend the Caldwell Cup at the New South Wales Country Rugby Union Country Championships in Tamworth.

While Plummer was not part of the 2019 outfit that was crowned champions, Fitzsimmons knows his call-up for the title defence was definitely well deserved.

"It's awesome to see him in it. He's been working at it and been part of the process for a couple of years now, he's been unlucky not to be selected before but that he's there now is a credit to the system," Fitzsimmons said.

"He's stayed connected and stayed part of the program and now he's been rewarded. He's also more of a senior player now than that young guy coming through."

Plummer has scored six tries for the Bulldogs so far this season, including a hat-trick against the Dubbo Kangaroos, but he brings more than just an ability to finish.

He's also strong in defence and has worked hard at the breakdown to try and pilfer possession for Bulldogs this season.

FItzsimmons wants to see both those aspects of his play when Plummer pulls on a Blue Bulls jumper.

"He's definitely been one of the more damaging players for our team and in the competition. That's what we need him to bring to Central West," he said.

"He's got a role to play in that back line to bring that aggression and hard-hitting, it will help our other guys get some go forward and get some points on the board off the back of his work."

There will be two more Bulldogs in the Central West back line aside from Plummer.

Centre Sione Naufahua will be used off the bench in what will be his Central West debut. Like Plummer, he brings aggression in defence and knows how to find the line with five tries to his credit this season.

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Then there's winger Harry 'Buzz' Webber. He lined up for Central West in 2018 when they finished as runners-up but injury prevented him from playing in the successful 2019 Caldwell Cup campaign.

"He's really awesome to have around a team, especially a rep team. We spent day in and day out around Buzzy, but for other guys to come in and feed off that energy - he's really important to have in the team," Fitzsimmons said.

"We've got a star-studded back line and a forward pack that I think has got it in them, but they really need to hold on and let our backs do some damage."

That forward pack includes Fitzsimmons as starting number 8 and Justin Mobbs in the second row.

Mobbs only made his return from injury to Bulldogs' first XV last Saturday, but got through good minutes in a physical clash with Cowra which should serve him well.

"He'll be part of the leadership and for someone in the scheme of things who has had minimal experience as a second rower to then be leading forward pack at Central West level. The year before he was in the Country set up as well," Fitzsimmons said.

"So he's definitely worked hard and put himself in a position to lead, so hopefully we can get the job done.

"It's great to have so many [Bulldogs] in. I think it's a bit of a credit to our strength even thought the results have not quite yet been there this year, it shows we've got some strong players and players who are keen to put up their hands."

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As for himself, Fitzsimmons is looking forward to acting as vice-captain to star Forbes flyhalf Mahe Fangupo.

He is a two-times Caldwell Cup winner and was named player of the tournament at the 2018 Country Championships.

"It's very nice, I never put my hand up to ask for these things, I just want to work hard, and to get some recognition for that is really nice," Fitzsimmons said of the leadership role.

"Especially to get to run out behind Mahe, I couldn't be any happier, he's a leader in his Forbes team but has been a leader in the Central West team without being named captain for a long time.

"A lot of leadership comes from his direction, so it will be really good to work with him."

Central West will play their first game at 1.20pm Saturday, meeting the best of the losers after Illawarra faces Hunter and Central Coast squares off with Far North Coast in round one.

Win that clash and they'll advance to the decider at 2.20pm Sunday.

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