After more than a year since they last took to the field, the Crookwell Dogs are itching to get out for a run.
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To that end, the club announced on Sunday that it would play a series of short trials games this weekend against the Yass Rams and two Sydney-based East Suburbs teams.
Crookwell coach, Bruce Nixon, is not normally a fan of trial games, however after a year off due to COVID-19, he acknowledged that his players can barely wait to get back on the paddock.
"I think they just need a run, they need to get out there and tackle bodies and have a bit of contact," Nixon said.
"We're a very structured side, and that basis will always be there. They'll go out and do it without thinking, I just wanted to give the new guys and the team a run."
The extended break caused by the pandemic has caused a lot of teams to focus on rebuilding their players' fitness during the 2021. However, this approach does tend to be grueling, and Nixon decided on a more enjoyable method of training.
"We normally do a lot of grass-burning, a lot of aerobic stuff to get the wind in them," he said.
"But this year's different, I thought if I did that to them, they'd hate me forever [laughs].
"All the stuff we do is with ball in hand, so it's different and all our blokes are really enjoying it because they don't realise how hard they're working."
Despite his nearly two decades of coaching experience, even Nixon isn't sure what to expect once the competition begins next month. Regardless of the results, he immensely enjoys working with the team and looks forward the chance to give Crookwell locals a spectacle.
"The crew of guys we've got at the moment, they're a credit to Crookwell," he said.
"They're a great bunch of young fellas. They got on well together, they work hard together, and just like being with each other. It makes the job easier for me.
"Whether we have the success of the past, I don't know. As long as we get a side on the paddock and the Crookwell supporters can come have a look at us and have a beer on a Saturday, that's the big thing for us."
This weekend's trials will be short matches of 15 minutes per half. Along with the men, three women's teams will play trial games as well: The Goulburn Dirty Reds, Easts Women, and Yass Women.
The matches will be played at Crookwell Memorial Oval from 12.30pm on Saturday, March 13. The Dogs would like to remind attendees that COVID-safe practices will be in place throughout the day.
This weekend's trials will be followed by another trial match between the Dogs and the Balmain Rugby Club on March 27, also at the Memorial Oval.
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