If Gunnedah’s new coach was trying to keep a poker face, he did a lousy job.

Standing in the sheds on Sunday afternoon having just sung the Bulldogs’ victory song, a tune the former Gunnedah stalwart had not sung for many years, he was flush with satisfaction after overseeing a 56-0 humiliation of Collegian in his first match in charge of the side – and his debut as a top grade coach.

Adding to Hayne’s pleasure, his sons, 21-year-old hooker-cum-halve Callum and 18-year-old halfback Marcus, played.

It was Marcus’ first grade debut, with him joining the club from North Tamworth where he combined with his father to win consecutive under-18 premierships the past two seasons.   

As the scoreline suggests, it was total domination against the Warriors.

Gunnedah, who finished fourth last year with eight wins and seven losses, no doubt hired Hayne hoping he would infuse the side with a winning mentality, and against the Warriors it looked like that had already happened.

“It was a good way to start the season,” the coach said.

“The boys stuck to their structure and completed their sets … they defended their line and worked for each other.”

The match was effectively over at halftime, with Gunnedah leading 30-0.

As 92-year-old Jack Woolaston looked on at the oval named after him, the Bulldogs bullied the home side for 80 minutes, exposing a defensive line and a temperament that will need a lot more resolve or it will be a long season.

Three Gunnedah players bagged a brace of tries – fullback Dylan Lake, winger Lachlan King and centre Aaron Donnelly. 

Lake and King played a full game after playing in the Group 4 under-23 rep side in the Greater Northern Championships in Armidale on Saturday, as did Callum Hayne, who made the Tigers side that will meet Central Coast in Denman on May 20.

Lake signed with Gunnedah in the off-season after joining the mass player exodus at South West Robins following their grand final shame last season.

Without naming anyone, Robins coach Shane Rampling said last week he was “disappointed a few local boys didn’t stay around”.

Sean Hayne said Lake had been a handy acquisition.

“He’s fitted in well,” Hayne said. “He gets on well with all the boys and his positional play is excellent.”

In other first grade matches played on Sunday, Narrabri downed defending champions North Tamworth 32-28 while South West Robins and Wee Waa drew 24-all.