Some people might find the idea of Shaun McHugh owing something to the Dubbo Kangaroos a ridiculous notion.
One of the club's best players for the past decade, McHugh has been part of a premiership win, led by example when captaining the side, and left everything out on the field week after week.
IT'S an over used cliche in sport, but rugby union was the winner on Saturday when the Bathurst Bulldogs took on the Dubbo Kangaroos in the opening round of the Westfund Ferguson Cup.
While the 47-0 score line pointed to a dominant day for two-time defending premiers the Bulldogs, what unfolded at No 1 Oval was still beneficial for the Dubbo side.
The Roos were only able to muster six players for the fixture, so Bulldogs loaned them a body and switched to a sevens format for the first 20 minutes.
Often when a side loses a grand final the message is to forget it, let the pain go, and focus on starting afresh when the new season rolls around.
That's not the case for Bathurst Bulldogs.
Bulldogs are using the hurt caused by losing last season's Blowes Clothing Cup grand final to Orange Emus as motivation and as a marker to improve on in 2019.
The Dubbo Kangaroos were only one win short of making last season's Blowes Clothing Cup finals, but in truth the ball never really got rolling in 2018.
A new system implemented by the newly-appointed director of rugby and former Super Rugby winner Beau Robinson took plenty of time to adjust to, while a horror run of injuries stunted any momentum created.
But this time around, things are different.
The 2019 Central West Rugby Union season starts on Saturday with the Roos playing host to the Bathurst Bulldogs.
Beau Robinson promised change when he arrived back at the Dubbo Kangaroos last year and he delivered on that, with the club implement new systems both on and off the field.
As the former Super Rugby premiership winner admits, it didn’t lead to “the most successful season” in 2018 but for he and many others, this year has been one of learning.
There was a new, more professional approach to training and a more club-wide way of working with players across all grades working to the same plan.
Tuesday 30th January – Tuesdays and Thursdays, training commences
6.30pm Macquarie Anglican Grammar School Ovals
Saturday March 3rd, Dubbo Chill-Rite / Mid West Foods Sevens
Saturday / Sunday, March 10 /11 Player / Coach level 2 weekend
Saturday 17th March Trial Game
Saturday / Sunday 24th / 25th March, Tamworth trip and trial.
Easter Weekend 30th March – 2nd April, free weekend
Saturday 7th April, Competition Commences
The 2018 Central West Rugby Union season is shaping to be a most exciting one for the Dubbo Kangaroos.
Not only will we see a change in the Blowes Cup structure but also the club has made a significant change to its Coaching structure which will see all team coaches working together on a style of Rugby which will see continuity throughout the grades.
The club is very pleased to announce that former Wallaby Beau Robinson will be joining our coaching staff as Director of Coaching, along with former players Teddy Bates, Benn Wright and Simon Murphy who will play a role with specialist position specific coaching along with strategic and tactical work throughout the club. Club stalwart Dean Mathews will take up the 1st grade Managers role.
Vincent Gordon has taken the role of Coaching Coordinator and will work with all coaches and grades to ensure both an attractive and entertaining brand of rugby is played, whilst considerable attention will be given to developing local talent along with attracting players to the club.
The Kangaroos will also be nominating an Open Ladies Sevens side for the 2018 season and has the support of highly regarding Sevens coach and mentor Kieran Smith.
Additionally, lower grade and Colts coaches are to be announced shortly.
Make sure you get your team organised and register for the Dubbo 7s, will be an awesome day of running Rugby.
Team nominations are live. Over $10,000 in the prize pool for 2018 so lock in your spot for a great day of rugby.
Games kicking off at 1pm, finals under lights.
Bar and live music throughout the evening.
When: Fri 4 Dec
Where: Clubhouse
Time: 6.30
Blowes Clothing Cup 2019: Dubbo Roos skipper Shaun McHugh eager to lead from the front: Some people might find the idea of ...10 Apr 2019
Dubbo Kangaroos beaten by Bathurst Bulldogs in first Westfund Ferguson Cup game: IT'S an over used cliche in sport, but rugby un...07 Apr 2019
Aaron Booby-led Bathurst Bulldogs roll over top of Dubbo Kangaroos in Blowes Clothing Cup opener: Often when a side loses a grand final the messa...06 Apr 2019
Blowes Clothing Cup 2019: Dubbo Kangaroos to open season against Bathurst Bulldogs: The Dubbo Kangaroos were only one win short of ...03 Apr 2019
Dubbo Kangaroos planning for long-term success in Central West Rugby Union : Beau Robinson promised change when he arrived b...19 Dec 2018
2018 Preseason Program: Tuesday 30th January – Tuesdays and Thursdays, ...21 Jan 2018
Coaching Structural Changes in 2018: Press Release The 2018 Central West Rugby Union...21 Jan 2018
Rugby 7's 2018: Dubbo Roos Chill Rite and Mid West Foods Rugby ...11 Jan 2018
Daily Liberal CSU Bathurst vs Dubbo Kangaroos Wrap Up: http://www.dailyliberal.com.au/story/3908053/ro...13 May 2016
Annual General Meeting – President’s report for 2015 and Election of Committee: When: Fri 4 Dec Where: Clubhouse Time: 6.3011 Nov 2015
PO Box 222
DUBBO NSW 2830
Rugby Clubhouse
No.1 Oval, Victoria Park
Darling Street
DUBBO NSW 2830
