There's few coaches in the NRL who understand bush footy as well as Dean Pay.
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The men who started this decade as the coach of Group 11 side Dubbo CYMS is preparing for his second season at the helm of the Canterbury Bulldogs.
A long-time supporter of the game in regional areas, Pay and his side has spent the week on the south coast while preparing for Saturday's trial match against the Canberra Raiders at Bega.
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"It's great. It's fantastic. We love getting out to the country areas," the Dubbo product told the Bulldogs' official website.
"The country people enjoy seeing the NRL boys and getting up close to them."
That was evident this week, with former south coast junior Adam Elliott one of the most popular figures among locals.
Elliott, who grew up playing in Tathra, was a massive hit during the time back in his hometown and his former school principal went as far as giving current students a day off to watch the side go through its captain's run on Friday.
"That shows you how much it means to people," Pay said.
While the trip and match itself is a chance to give back to loyal footy fans, it's also the next step in preparing for the 2019 season.
Much has been made of the Bulldogs' struggles in 2018, with Pay being forced to deal with a squad hamstrung by salary cap issues.
Despite the troubles, the Dogs rallied late in the season and finished in 12th spot after a number of young players seized their chance.
While most tipsters have Pay's men missing the eight, that late run plus the arrival of players such as Dylan Napa, Nick Meaney and Sauaso Sue has sparked some positivity.
"We're expecting a lot from all our players, not just the new boys," Pay said ahead of Saturday's game.
"We want to go down there and do really well. The boys are just itching for a game."
Bulldogs captain and Gulgung product Josh Jackson has been named in the Bulldogs' 30-man squad for the clash on Saturday afternoon.
The match will be live-streamed on the Bulldogs' website.
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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.
