Two try scorer Ned Murray with Glen Buttriss.
The Coota Bulldogs have rained on the Season Launch of their Wyong Counterparts with a strong game against the Roos which saw the blue and whites, who are returning to Group 9 in just weeks, put on a good display winning 24-20 in hot and humid conditions on the weekend.
The Times caught up with David Buttriss, “It was a physical game, nothing silly, but it was good.” “We were really pleased with everyone that we took up. We took a 21-man squad and everyone did their part at some stage of the game.”
“The standout of the day would have been 18-year-old Ned Murray. We took him up and he debuted on the wing for us and scored two tries and there was a moment with about ten minutes to go and they put in an attacking kick up and Ned leapt up over three of their players and came down with the ball. It definitely saved a try.
Not only did the youth lead the way it was the experience of the Coaches’ brother Glen who played a big part. At 39 years of age, Glen was told by his brother that he may be needed for 15 minutes but eventually played about 45.
“I spoke to my brother Glen leading up to that week and he was only coming to watch and I said we had about six of our starting team out, do you want to chuck the boots in with you, and he decided to take it on board and had a game with us, which was awesome.”
“I had him at Hooker and he just came off the bench for us. The plan was to only give him about fifteen or twenty minutes and he ended up with about 45 under his belt.
“He was pretty knackered by the end of up it but he played a pretty big role in helping us hang on to that win. It was really good.
“The things he does all over the park. It’s a bit of a leadership style. It is really good.”
“We had a young squad that we took up and just having him around for the whole day was really good.”
“One of our other standouts was Josh Kostrubic who had a great game as well. He scored two ties in the Centres for us.
“We were really good across the park. Everyone stood up at stages. Our three leaders in Joey Ward, Luke Levitt and Tommy Miller were all outstanding as they always are.”
“In two weeks we have a four grades trial at home against Junee on (Saturday, 29th) and that involves the Terry Douglas Cup as well.
“It will be Firsts, Reserves, League Tag and 18s boys.”
The Bulldogs like many clubs are looking unlikely to follow the directive which has come through Group 9 from NSW Rugby League which is to field an U18s ladies tackle and a senior’s tackle side. It’s nearly impossible for club and towns of this size to find 40 ladies who want to instantly play the game and it’s not currently sustainable.
“I don’t think we will field a ladies tackle. We have done our best to try and round up some numbers and there’s just not enough at the moment, but I think it will slowly grow over the next year or two.
The Bulldogs will take on last year’s Grand Finalists in the Wagga Kangaroos in the first round.
“Our first game is at home against Wagga Kangaroos on Sunday, 13th April.”
“Nathan Rose is back playing for them and he’s looking really fit. I expect him to have a big year and I think Kangaroos will be one of the teams to beat.”
“It will be a tough one first up as they played Young in the grand final.”
“We are really happy with how everything went. The boys couldn’t have done any more in the preseason and to get away for a couple of days and go up there and play at Wyong and get the win was awesome.
“The Wyong group really looked after us up there and we really appreciate what they did to make us feel welcome.”
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