After some quiet months spent preparing for the upcoming 2021 season, the Goulburn City Bulldogs have announced the dates for their pre-season trial matches.
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The first trial games will take place against the Mittagong Lions on March 13, with a second and final round of trials against the Picton Magpies on March 27.
The five senior teams, according to Bulldogs committee member John Sykes, are travelling well and adjusting well to the new coaching staff.
"They're going well, there's a good vibe around the club," Sykes said.
"Tyson [Greenwood] and Jessie [Martin, the joint head coaches of the club] are pulling them together, and among the three men's grades we've had about 40 at training.
"In the women's side, the league tag and women's tackle, we'll field a side in both."
Sykes conceded that the club is hoping for more numbers among the women's ranks, and Bulldogs stalwart Elly Hazelton said many of the players have had conflicting schedules which has precluded their attendance.
"Slow and steady is the best way to describe our progress at training," Hazelton said.
"We have a lot of girls interested, but we're trying to get numbers at training around other commitments, but we're getting there."
The fixtures on March 13 will constitute a full club trial against the Mittagong Lions, with all five Bulldogs teams set to play.
Sykes does not know exactly what to expect from their Southern Highlands-based opponents, but suspects they will bring a fast-paced style of play.
"I understand they play a pretty fast game, I think Jeremy Latimore and Bryson Goodwin, two NRL players are down there," he said.
"They've got two or three really handy players as I understand, they'll be good."
The Bulldogs have intentionally avoided playing any of the Canberra teams in the lead-up to the season, in order to provide their players with some variety.
"We specifically haven't had any trials against any Canberra teams, we just wanted to mix it up a bit," Sykes said.
"Rather than playing against one of the Canberra teams we'll be playing against all year."
The matches against Mittagong will be played at the Goulburn Workers Arena, beginning with the women's tackle at 10am.
Following the matches, the teams and their supporters will travel into town for a post-match presentation. The Bulldogs encourage all of their supporters to come along for the day.
Meanwhile, the matches against Picton a fortnight later will take place in Picton.
The 2021 season is expected to start on the weekend of April 10 and 11. Those interested in playing for the Bulldogs can contact the club through its Facebook page, or attending one of the training sessions on Tuesdays or Thursdays from 6pm.
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