Dubbo Kangaroos coach Dean Matthews has heaped praise on the undefeated Bathurst Bulldogs, saying he and his side can’t wait to test his side against the ladder leaders on Saturday.
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The Roos scored a stunning 96-17 win over CSU last weekend but the Bulldogs have been the most consistent side so far this Blowes Clothing Cup campaign, winning all four matches and allowing just two tries in.
“They’re all good fellas and it should be a good game but a tight game,” he said.
“They’ve got that pretty good for and against and it will take a good side to beat them on any day, let alone when they’re on their own paddock.”
...it will take a good side to beat them on any day, let alone when they’re on their own paddock.
- Dean Matthews on Bulldogs
Matthews highlighted Central West prop Chris Plunkett and Izaak Breen as the Dogs’ main threats but confessed confidence was high in his own camp.
The Kangaroos were utterly dominant against the students last round, racing in 14 tries and producing some scintillating attacking rugby.
“It gave the boys a chance to throw the ball around gave us the chance to try some of the blokes in different positions and move them around so it was good,” Matthews said.
“But I honestly don’t expect it to be anything like that this weekend, I expect Bulldogs to be really tough.”
Boosting the Roos’ chances further is the fact Simon Hegarty and Sam Clements return this week to have Matthews’ lineup as close to full strength as it can be.
Captain Shaun McHugh remains out with a fracture in his leg, something he played with for more than an hour at Parkes in round three.
He is expected to be out of action for roughly six weeks and Matthews admitted it his experience will be a huge loss in a match where try-scoring opportunities are expected to be few and far between.
“That’s the million dollar question,” Matthews said when asked how to break down the Dogs defence.
“I think it’s more about holding the ball and not giving away easy possession.
“It’s just about building pressure and trying to turn that into points.
“They are a good side and with guys like Chris Plunkett, they’re good footballers and don’t take any shortcuts so they won’t be easy to beat.
“I don’t know exactly where the points are going to come from but I just hope they come.”
Colts Charlie Laurie and Angus O’Connor drop out of the side. Reuben Williams moves to No. 8 and Will Chaffey reverts to the front row due to the return of Hegarty and Clements.
Kick-off is 3.15pm at Ashwood Park.
DUBBO KANGAROOS: 1 Will Chaffey, 2 Ned Williams, 3 Johnny Mafiti, 4 Monty Hicks, 5 Sam Clements, 6 Sione Lolohea, 7 Simon Hegarty, 8 Reuben Williams, 9 Jock Brownhill, 10 Brad Pugh, 11 James Mata, 12 Billy Sing, 13 Viliame Turuva, 14 Hamish Gordon, 15 Luke Ryan
Nick Guthrie
I started working at the Daily Liberal in 2013 and now hold the position of senior journalist. I cover all that's happening in sport in Dubbo and the wider western area and have a passion for doing so. If you've got a story that needs telling, reach out.
I started working at the Daily Liberal in 2013 and now hold the position of senior journalist. I cover all that's happening in sport in Dubbo and the wider western area and have a passion for doing so. If you've got a story that needs telling, reach out.
