The Bears have looked the goods right through the trial period and dominated the Group 4 side that won the Greater Northern Championships last Sunday, although the Blues appear to have been the quiet achievers, pipping Walgett by two points in a tough hit-out the weekend before, and looking to field another quality side after finishing last season in third before a minor semi-final loss to Gunnedah.

Unfortunately, Group 4 co-captain and Blues captain- coach Lachie Cameron suffered an ankle injury in a training collision last Friday night and missed the Championships although did expect to be back up and running by Sunday’s opening round.

“I had the kit on and was ready to play for Group 4 but in the back of my mind probably knew my fate,” Cameron said.

A quick fitness test later and he was back in his jeans on the sideline, watching the Bushrangers go back to back after the lock led them to a first victory in five years last season.

“The physio said I could probably play but then might miss the first three or four weeks of the season,” Cameron said.

“With two games on one day I was probably better off to wait. I should be right to play the Bears hopefully.” 

The captain-coach said that while the club was looking flush with numbers on paper, the club was still struggling to get a consistent turnout at training.

“We have 56 players signed up but only get 12 or 13 at training,” Cameron said.

“Most of them are coming to some trainings but we never get the same 12 or 13 which makes it difficult.” 

The dry season has meant  a lot of the players are out irrigating at night when training is on, while several others do shiftwork in the mines and also struggle to make each 

session.

The Blues suffered a blow when halfback Jamie Sampson returned to the Boomerangs this season, although got lucky when a replacement almost lobbed on their door in Kialu Brown.

“It was actually Jamie Sampson’s father who told us that Kialu was in town and we asked him to come and train,” Cameron said.

“They are very similar players so he has fitted straight into the side.”

The former Ashford playmaker has already made his mark, lifting the Blues to a comeback 22-20 win over Walgett despite not being at their best with turnovers, a persistent problem throughout the match.

Big forward Jake Rumsby impressed for Group 4 last weekend as well and will be a key figure in the Blues’ engine room, along with fellow representative Sam Sadler, while the side always has pace to burn on the outside and won’t be any different this season.

While the Bears host the Blues, the improved Diggers will kick their third season off with a clash at Gunnedah, and Armidale will make their Group 4 debut hosting the West Lions.