At the start of the year Gunnedah coach Andrew George fretted about the loss of a spate of players in the off-season and the impact that might have on the Bulldogs’ premiership defence.
Subscribe now for unlimited access.
$0/
(min cost $0)
or signup to continue reading
But after six rounds the Bulldogs lead the competition – their worrying opening round drubbing to England followed by four straight wins including a last-start 161-point defeat of the Tamworth Swans, who were coming of a rare win.
George believes that an overall competition drop in standard is benefiting Gunnedah.
He answered “I guess so” when asked if he was surprised the Bulldogs had performed so well.
“At the start the year, losing so many players last year and gaining so many young guys, we thought we might struggle,” he said.
“I think some of the other clubs are in the same sort of position. There’s been a few forfeits, and teams that normally win have lost games. I think it’s across the board.”
At Wolseley Oval on Saturday, Gunnedah will face a Kangaroos side who have two wins and three losses including a heavy loss to Inverell last round.
“They’re another team you sort of look at and don’t know what to expect,” George said.