The return of league-tag veteran Heidi Jessop has buoyed the Bega Chicks going in to round three this weekend.
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The Roosters will be looking for redemption after being turned away in two of three games against Bombala in round two.
Roosters spokesman David Armstrong said it was always challenging to meet the Blue Heelers at home and the sentiment rang true with the hosts holding Bega to a 28-24 loss in the first grade fixture.
The High Heelers also claimed the biscuits in a 20-12 result against the Chicks, while Bega’s reserves ground out a dour 18-16 result.
The Bulldogs put a massive result over the Bay Tigers, but Armstrong said he was aware the northern club was without about four key players.
“We know they were missing their captain-coach and a few key guys, so we won’t book our efforts on that round two score,” he said.
Armstrong said the fitness and size of Bega’s pack could provide an edge over the visitors.
“Batemans Bay really are an unknown, but hopefully our fitness will put us good stead for the full 80 minutes,” he said.
“With the youth and speed we’ve got out wide, much of what we do revolves around our big men in the middle.
“If those guys like Kane [Morgan], Jarrod Tamatea and Todd Ingram step up then we’ll go a long way in the competition.”
He said the league-tag ladies were also booned by the return of a few veteran heads to the team, namely Heidi Jessop and Taelar Williams.
“They’re a young side and they’re learning every game, but the return of those two will be a good addition to the team,” Armstrong said.
“Ray Ringland is the ultimate competitor and he and Tom McCoy will be working to help grow the girls’ confidence and skill base and they’ll just keep getting better throughout the year.”
The reserves are running well under the watchful vigil of Scott Barton and Armstrong said even more players were returning with good numbers ready to take the field for Bega.
“They’e just putting it together each week and going well,” he said.
The under 18s will also get a run on after a pair of bye rounds so they’ll be fit and fresh.
Sunday will be a big home round for the Roosters will four exciting matches of rugby league to go ahead against the Bay Tigers.
Armstrong encouraged all Roosters fans to get down to the Bega Recreation ground and cheer on the teams as they settle into the 2017 campaign.
Matches will run from 11.30am on Sunday with the under 18s and first grade kicks off at 2.30pm.