GUNNEDAH Bulldogs have scheduled two trials but are on the lookout for a third to prepare for their 2001 Hazelton Airlines Cup Group 4 Rugby League season.
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Bulldog coach David McCann said Gunnedah would play a trial against Metropolitan Cup club Ryde-Eastwood’s reserve grade side in Tamworth on March 10.
North Tamworth has organised a trial against the Ryde-Eastwood first grade side the same day.
“We’re hoping to play the Bears in lower grades as well,” McCann said.
“We have a trial before that against Werris Creek (March 3) but don’t have anything organised for March 17 because of the local touch grand finals. We won’t have a trial the week before the comp starts (April 1) but hope to organise a third trial before that.”
McCann said Gunendah’s prospects were much brighter than last season when the club lost nearly 30 senior players.
“Our numbers have been good at this early stage – we’ve been getting 25 to 30 to training. Compared to last year that’s much better.
“We’re also getting good junior numbers for the 16s and 18s. So we should have good numbers in all four grades.
“And there are still a fair few players to come.”
The Bulldogs have welcomed back former Divisional fullback Troy Stone, Group 4 winger Justin Fisher (formerly Constable), Group 4 prop Matt Bryant, talented utility player Brett Williamson and fiery representative hooker Sean Torrens.
Unfortunately star centre Roger Torrens looks doubtful of playing and centre James Thibault has switched codes to play with the Red Devils.
But the Bulldogs have snared former Cobar prop Dean Milgate.
“Dean’s managing the Railway Hotel,” McCann said.
“He played in Cobar’s premiership winning first grade side and looks pretty handy.
“He’s a solid frontrower who will be a great boost for us.
“Troy’s back from Mt Isa and Justin’s over a knee injury which struck him in the rep games and kept him out all season.
“Matt’s back with us and will be very handy.”
McCann said Todd Green and Dicko Turner had also indicated they would be back to join club stalwarts Brett Hyland and James Dries.
“Brett missed a full round with a knee injury last year but is right now,” McCann said.
“And James has really bulked up. He’s been working out in the gym and added an extra 14 or 15 kg . He’s looking very good and could have a big year.”
While the Bulldogs have lost Thibault, young hooker Peter Welsh – Farrer’s player of the year in 2000 – is off to university in Sydney.
The big news for the Bulldogs is the possible signing of former premiership winning captain-coach Peter Ryman.
“Pin (Ryman) has been training with us and while he hasn’t signed we hope he sticks around,” McCann said.
“He’d be great for the younger players.”
“But everything is looking much better.
“No one threw the towel in last year.
“We had no luck with injuries as well as losing all those players but everyone still had some fun. Hopefully we’ll have a change of luck this year.”
Gunnedah officials have also installed a new incentive payment system which puts every player on the same bonuses.
“It gives everyone the opportunity to make the same money,” McCann said.
