The Cootamundra Bulldogs will take on long-time neighbouring rivals, the Young Cherrypickers, in their final game at Les Boyd Oval for the 2026 season.
Coming off a disappointing performance against Albury and a weekend’s rest due to a general bye, the Bulldogs will be looking to regain some of their early-season form and keep themselves in finals contention.
A 38-22 loss to the Pickers last time the two teams met in Round 5 was exaggerated by two late Young tries, and Cootamundra would have been hurt by the final scoreline.
On that same day, the Bulldogs went into the match without two key players in powerhouse prop Tai Vaavale and five-eighth and teen sensation Oliver Hall.
Cootamundra won’t have that same issue this coming weekend as the Dogs could potentially field a full-strength side for the first time since their opening round triumph in Temora.
A loss could spell the end to the home sides finals aspirations, and captain-coach Luke Berkrey said he expects motivation and enthusiasm to be some of the strengths his side will carry into battle.
“After the week off, I’d love to see our energy and aggression go through the roof, especially against Young, as we will be freshened up ready to go.”
When asked where the Bulldogs would need to improve to ensure they are victorious, Berkrey said it’s Cootamundra’s work without the ball that would be key to victory.
“We will have to be really good with our edge defence as they have some real attacking threats, especially with Kane Ball at fullback again.”
Having not played finals football since 2013, Cootamundra’s destiny is in their own hands, and a win will push the men in blue and white one step closer to breaking the 13-year drought.
With it being the final home game of the season and one of the Bulldogs’ oldest rivals providing the opposition, the scene is set for a terrific afternoon of rugby league at Les Boyd Oval on Sunday.
Bulldogs’ run home;
• Round 14: v Young (3rd) – Home
• Round 15: v Kangaroos (5th) – Away
• Round 16: v South City (7th) – Away
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