NORTH Coast Bulldogs may head into this year's Country Championships without having had a run under their belt.
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The Bulldogs' trial against Northern Rivers scheduled for this weekend fell through, giving coach Dan Kemp and captain Richie Roberts one remaining weekend to organise a hit-out before their first game on February 27.
"It's not an ideal preparation, but then again we'll have six sessions before round one which is more than enough," Kemp said.
"These boys are experienced enough."
Port Macquarie quintet Roberts, Chris Piper, Cody Robbins, Jesse Douglas and Fletcher Strong will all line up in round one alongside Wauchope duo Tristan Scott and Tony Thompson.
Taree lock forward Jake Samoa will also be named in the squad.
"We've got some experienced campaigners which helps when you go into a two-game competition on the back of a short preparation," the coach said.
"We're aiming for a match against Newcastle next weekend at Forster as last-minute trial otherwise we'll go into round one without a trial."
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