The Gunnedah Bulldogs under 15 rugby league side is raring to go ahead of this weekend’s grand final showdown against Collegians.
For many Bulldogs players involved, it will be their second grand final appearance in two years after losing to same Tamworth outfit in 2023.
Team mentor Paul Wicks, who is assisted by Ethan Kelly, said it will be a David and Goliath battle for the young Bulldogs players against an almost unbeaten Collegians outfit.
Nevertheless, the Gunnedah side did enough this year to finish second on the table at the end of the regular season after winning the last round against Dungowan.
The Bulldogs then lost the first semi-final against Collegians before rebounding to post a nail-biting win on the buzzer against Farrer last weekend.
Wicks said Gunnedah was winning 8-6 at half time in the preliminary final, before surrendering the lead in the second half as Farrer looked to sneak home.
Bulldogs scored with barely 30 seconds left in the match to seal the win 18-16 and earn another grand final appearance.
“I told them to stay in the grind, complete their sets,” Wicks said.
“They played well.”
Lock forward Mayse Frey will lead the Gunnedah team as captain this weekend, backed by an ample stock of skilled players in the Bulldogs’ forward and backline. “We have some talent,” Wicks said.
No matter the outcome, Wicks urged Gunnedah clubmates and the community to get behind the young charges who have everything to gain.
“All the pressure is on (Collegians), we have nothing to lose,” he said.
“I hope our boys have fun, be competitive and play their best.”
Gunnedah under 15s kick off 12pm on Saturday at Tamworth’s Plain Street Sporting Fields.
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