A Dubbo derby in Central West Rugby Union isn't an all too common occurrence these days, making this weekend's colts clash all the more appetising.
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The Dubbo Rhinos welcome the Dubbo Kangaroos to Apex Oval on Saturday, part of a massive day for the black and gold club.
Apex will play host to five matches on Saturday and while the senior side faces a must-win contest against Mudgee, the colts clash is certain to gain much of the attention.
Rhinos coach Darryl Thompson would no doubt love to get one over his crosstown rivalries but he's just pleased his side gets to do battle with the Roos.
The Rhinos didn't have a colts side last season's but thanks to a revamped under 19s competition clubs not featuring in the premiers Blowes Clothing Cup can now field junior sides.
"It's really hats off to (CWRU chief executive) Matt Tink because right from the beginning he saw colts as open and one where you didn't need to play in the top tier to have a side," Thompson said.
"This is a really good way to rebuild things."
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The Rhinos have only played the one game so far this season, narrowly being beaten by Orange City, before receiving a forfeit from Orange Emus last weekend.
The attacking show from the Rhinos against City caught the eye, the bulk of the side showing they hadn't lost any of the touch they had when leading the club's under 17s side to the grand final two years ago.
"We're strong in the forwards but in the end (against City) it came down to match experience," Thompson said.
"We've been working on that and we want to play a bit more rugby. Control it in the forwards and with that backline similar to what it was in the 17s we can shift the ball.
We want to control the ball and then let the backs express themselves.
- Rhinos' colts coach Darryl Thompson
"We like a nice open style and that's the philosophy we've got now. We want to control the ball and then let the backs express themselves."
Thompson has urged any teenagers of colts age in Dubbo to go and watch the match, with both the Rhinos and Roos always willing to take on new players during the season.
Those who are at Apex will be treated to a bumper day of rugby action.
It starts with the under 17s at 10.40am, with a Westfund Ferguson Cup women's game, colts, second grade, and first grade following on after that.
It is also the Rhinos' sponsor's day and Thompson was adamant events like these will strengthen the club.
"I think it's essential. It's about building that club culture and that's something that has been hard for the Rhinos," he said.
"Saturday is going to be an exciting day and with our home game being Apex it's always a great opportunity for the boys to have a run there."
The Roos head into Saturday's game having won one of three games so far this season.
Saturday's colts match kicks off at 12.45pm.
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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.
