A largely new look first grade team led by captain Nick Goodman are keen and eager to run out onto the paddock.  Our first grade team sees the return of Lepani Waqa, Wade Walker, Blake Mackey and Tyler Clarke. This season they will be joined by new faces led by the Deaves brothers Sean, Nathan and Joel, and Harry Myers, along with the return of local junior Kirren Roughly.

First grade coach Nathaniel Morrison is excited about the team he has put together and is ready to banish the memories of last season. Apart from new players, Funz has also gained the assistance of the very experienced trainer Brendan Fernley who comes to us after a long association with the Cronulla Sharks. This has lifted the intensity of training which will result in a much more intense game on the field.

The club congratulates Tyler Clarke and Blake Mackey on their selection in the Inaugural Group 7 U23 representative team, which will take on the Illawarra side next Friday, April 7, from which a merged representative side will be selected.

Reserve grade numbers are coming together now with a good mix of new and returning players. The team has been training with first grade until the watchful eye of Funz and Ferns and are also benefiting from the experience.

There are still spots available in both teams and you may just be the catalyst player the Doggies are looking for so if you have been thinking about joining the new look Doggies for season 2017 now is the time to jump on board, come down to training on Friday night and see what the new look Doggies are all about.

Our women’s league tag team are looking to go one better in season 2017. The women have had a few changes within the team and are joined by locals Mel Browne, Hannah England and Abbey Montgomery.  Last weekend the team got the last minute opportunity for a trial match against Berry on Saturday morning. They showed  they have not lost any of the flair and ability from last season winning the trial 13 tries to 3.

Our U18s, coached by Peter Leffley, are among the strongest U18 teams the Doggies have seen in a number of years, having speed, size and experience across the paddock.  This week we would like to announce the addition of Steve Bettington to the U18 coaching team. Steve joins the Dogs from Sussex bringing with him a lot of experience in both junior and senior coaching.

Our first games are at Kiama and Nowra, it would be great to see our supporters make the trips to support a re-energised Doggies in their first hit out for 2017. We will wear the red, white and sky with pride!

This weekend’s games are;

Saturday,  April 1, Kiama Showground: U18’s   Kiama Knights v Milton-Ulladulla Bulldogs 10.45am

Sunday, April 2, Bomaderry Sporting Complex: 1st Grade: Nowra-Bomaderry Jets v Milton-Ulladulla Bulldogs 2.45pm. 2nd Grade: Nowra-Bomaderry Jets v Milton-Ulladulla Bulldogs 1.15pm. LLT: Nowra-Bomaderry Jets v Milton-Ulladulla Bulldogs 12.15pm.