The Roosters will gauge their strength in the Group 16 competition table when they take on the Merimbula-Pambula Bulldogs at the Bega Recreation Ground this weekend.
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First grade coach Scott Barton said the Bulldogs have proven something of a 'bogeyman' team that has been able to get under Bega's skin in the past couple of years.
A win over the 'Dogs though could elevate the Roosters out of the traffic jam with just two competition points separating second through seventh on the table after eight rounds.
"Yeah we've got to be excited, we've got to be up for it - everyone's season is on the line now, you need to be winning and be consistent," Barton said of the pending contest.
"They're a good team, I watched them play Tathra the other week and they're really solid - they've got good forwards in Jack McGuire and Grant Moon, Corey Schafer in the halves and they've got speed out wide.
"They're a team that plays with a lot of energy and I do rate them, I think they'll be a finals contender this year."
The weekend off has given the Roosters a chance to rest niggling injuries, but a bout of the flu could see a few members miss play.
"We've got no problems with injuries, but we've got a couple of guys down with the flu, so that's a bit of a bugger," Barton said.
He said this weekend and next would be telling with the Roosters to back up against Moruya in two weeks and Barton believes as the top six teams battle it out with each other the congestion will start to separate.
"We've got Merimbula and then Moruya so that will definitely let us know where we are at.
"A win over Merimbula will be a good stepping stone for us."
Training this week hasn't been as intense as others with a view to healing injuries and maintaining fitness as Group 16 heads to the back half of the comp.
"The guys have trained really well all year ... and we're trying to keep everyone fit and healthy so we can focus on going in strong."
This weekend also marks the Indigenous Round for the Roosters with the league-tag and first grade rosters wearing special jumpers designed by reserve grade coach Steven Luff.
"We'll be playing in the Indigenous jumpers designed by Steven Luff and representing the Indigenous culture and we hope to do them proud," Barton said.
"We hope everyone town can get down for the day, get behind us and also show their support for the Indigenous Round."
League-tag opens senior play at 11.30am with firsts kicking off at 2pm.
Tathra will also enjoy a home round when they play host to the Snowy River Bears on Sunday in two grades.
The draw will see the under 18s and the first grade outfits going head to head with the under 18s kicking off first at 12.30pm.
Jacob McMaster
I am passionate about amplifying people's stories and trying to do them justice in the written word. I find pressure washing videos soothing. email me jacob.mcmaster@austcommunitymedia.com.au or 0406 212 845.
I am passionate about amplifying people's stories and trying to do them justice in the written word. I find pressure washing videos soothing. email me jacob.mcmaster@austcommunitymedia.com.au or 0406 212 845.
