The recent hot weather has prompted Gunnedah rugby league officials to put the club’s opening training date back two weeks.
The Bulldogs were to kick off the 2013 Group 4 season tonight at Kitchener Park but now Thursday, January 31 will be the first session of the season.
All four grades will pack down on the night and officials are asking for a good representation as early-season trials are being organised against country and coastal opposition.
“The heatwave of late prompted us to put the season’s opening session back a couple of weeks, mainly for the welfare of the players,” president Ray McCoy said.
“We don’t want our key charges overheating before the season even kicks off.
“Player numbers are good at this early stage and a couple of new signings earlier in the week have really bolstered our chances in 2013,” he said.
One of the new players to sign on the dotted line at Kitchener Park on Tuesday night was 28-year-old Dylan Rampling, brother of reserve grade coach Shane Rampling.
Dylan has just returned from a two-year stint with St Albans in England and will be a great asset for the Bulldogs up front.
He played all his junior and senior rugby league in Bingara before making the move overseas.
Next Thursday evening at the Imperial Hotel, the home of the Bulldogs, a player infomation evening will be held for players in all four grades.
All the action will kick off at 6pm and all intending players are urged to attend.
