The sky above Twickenham Oval in Tumut was a flawless canvas of blue, a perfect back-drop for the preliminary final. Sunlight spilled across the field, illuminating every blade of perfectly manicured grass. It was the kind of gorgeous, picturesque day that made you feel alive, and for the Cootamundra Bulldogs, that energy was palpable. This was their shot at the Grand Final, their moment to prove they belonged. And with a hard-fought 23-10 victory over the Southcity Bulls, they did just that.
From the opening whistle, the Bulldogs played with an intensity that matched the brilliant day. Their game plan was simple but effective: apply relent less pressure on Southcity’s halves and capitalise on every opportunity. The strategy paid off almost immediately when Toby Tanks broke through the defensive line for the first try. It was a powerful statement of intent that set the tone for the entire match.
He was soon followed by Cadynn Smart, Ned Murray, and Harry Boxsell, who each found the try line, a testament to the team’s potent and well-coordinated attack. Boxsell, in particular, was in phenomenal form, adding two conversions, a penalty goal, and a field goal to secure the commanding lead.
As the final whistle blew, the Bulldogs celebrated a win forged in teamwork and resilience. Their jerseys, now dusted with a fine layer of dirt from the dry pitch, were a testa-ment to their effort. Coach Josh Kostrubic, his face split by a proud grin, was quick to praise his team.
“We got pretty lucky coming into the finals, getting a couple of bigger bodies back for that game gave us a big boost,” he said, reflecting on the team’s improved health. He emphasised that the victory was a result of the team “really switching on and just finding that overall form in attack and defence.”
But the celebration was brief. The Bulldogs knew what was next: an epic showdown against the undefeated Wagga Kangaroos in the Grand Final. The Kangaroos are a well-oiled machine—structured, incredibly fit, and brutally efficient. They haven’t lost a single game all year, a fact that would intimidate most teams. But the Bulldogs aren’t most teams. They have faced Wagga twice this season and, despite the losses, they know they can compete. Their first meeting was a confi-dence booster, a scrappy affair where Cootamundra lost by only a single try, a performance that gave them a good indicator of where they’d end up.
The second game, however, was a different story. “We got a very unfortunate game,” Kostrubic recalled. “We had quite a few injuries that day, and we only ended up with one sub by the end of the game.” This time, there will be no excuses. The Bulldogs have been preparing meticulously, both physically and mentally. They’ve gone to the pool for recovery sessions and have taken up pilates to ensure their bodies are in peak condition.
The team will need their big forwards—Benny Piffero, Will White, and Gussie Smart—to dig deep and handle Wagga’s strong middle players. The young halves, Paul Bean and Harry Boxsell, will also be key. Kostrubic praised Boxsell, calling him a “very, very big body” and a “very smart player.” He believes Boxsell’s confidence and skill could be the key to unlocking Wagga’s backline.
“I think he’s probably pretty key for us to unlock that back line and really show them what we can do,” Kostrubic said. “I think it’ll be just a matter of how our boys handle that and what sort of emotion they take into the game.”
The Bulldogs’ success is also a reflection of the club’s new direction. After several years in the George Tooke competition, the club made the tough but necessary decision to rejoin Group Nine, driven by the exceptional talent coming through the junior ranks.
This current team is a perfect example of that talent. Young guns like Isaiah Pulleine, a physically gifted centre, and the young forward pack, which includes players like Gussie Smart and Ben Piffero, have stepped up to play far beyond their age. The team is a balanced mix of 17 and 18-year-olds who have formed a powerful bond, leaning on each other for support.
As Kostrubic put it, “They’ve just got a good combination where they start to gel together, the older boys lean on the younger boys where they need to and vice versa.”
In his first year coaching the Under 18s, Kostrubic has navigated a turbulent season filled with injuries and challenges. But through it all, he’s watched his team grow, mature, and find their rhythm at the perfect time.
The Bulldogs are healthy, confident, and united. They have a history of keeping it close with Wagga, and now they have the opportunity to prove that heart and desire can overcome a perfect record.
As the sun sets on their victorious day, the Bulldogs know what lies ahead. This time, they are ready for the challenge. Will the Cootamundra Bulldogs be able to pull off the ultimate upset against the undefeated Wagga Kangaroos? Sunday will give us the answer.
– Tully Potts
