The Riverina has long been classed as one of the stronger regions in Country Rugby League heartland.
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Its junior outfits, the Bidgee Bulls, as relentless as they are classy. Success is a given.
So with that in mind, Western will face a Bidgee under 16s outfit smarting after a shock 22-all draw with the Greater Southern Stingrays in round two of the country championship last weekend.
The Rams host Bidgee at Parkes from 12pm on Saturday, a match coach Kurt Hancock says has been made all the more difficult following last weekend’s surprise drawn result.
“Bidgee will be an entirely different beast,” Hancock said.
The strong Dubbo-based core of the side will be key again for the Rams, as will electric fullback Benjamin Glasheen.
The Parkes Marist number one has been a genuine star of the campaign up to this point and there is certain to be plenty of support for him on his home turf on Saturday.
South Dubbo prop Colby Peckham has been another of Western’s best, crossing for a try in last week’s win, while St John’s speedster Aidan Lake returns to the side this round and will line up on the wing.
James ‘Busta’ Nelson has been solid in the halves alongside Nyngan halfback Harry Blake.
Western can finish on top of the southern pool with a win on Saturday after already scoring eye-catching victories over the Greater Southern Stingrays and Greater Southern Redbacks.