The Kurri Kurri Bulldogs to a man are aware hard work is required to return the club to the top of the Tooheys Newcastle Rugby League (Real NRL) table.

After finishing a disappointing ninth in the COVID-disrupted 2021 Denton Engineering Cup, the players will leave no stone unturned in their quest to climb the ladder, according to new coach Aaron Watts.

“Fitness is something we’re really focusing on at the moment,” he said.

“And, if that means pushing ourselves in 30+-degree heat, so be it.

“Training’s going well – and we’re getting good numbers, although we’re still awaiting a few guys to arrive in town.

“Realistically, shift work always plays a role in footy around here, but we’ll adjust.

“We’re attracting mid-40s to 50 at the moment, so I’m pretty happy with it so far.”

Watts, taking over the reins from captain-coach Mitch Cullen in 2022, said the mood in the Bulldogs camp was excellent.

“I think the excitement is just starting to build now,” he told the Newcastle Weekly.

“There’s a realisation after the holidays that footy’s about to kick off again.

“Even with the All Stars clash this weekend means we’re not too far away.

“I reckon, after that, the blokes will be keen to run around and concentrate on the upcoming season.”

The Bulldogs will open their 2022 account with two home fixtures, against the Lakes United Seagulls and Macquarie Scorpions, on Saturdays 26 March and 2 April.

But, first, they’ll tackle the Central Newcastle Butcher Boys (5 March) and Western Suburbs Rosellas (12 March) in a couple of trials.

“Those matches will be a strong gauge for the boys,” Watts said.

“I don’t want to pigeon-hole blokes into certain roles/positions just yet.

“But, the Butcher Boys and Rosellas – who both finished top five in 2021 – will be a good guide to see where we’re at.

“I think everyone’s keen to play footy again after a lengthy break.”

Tooheys Newcastle Rugby League

Kurri Kurri Bulldogs 2022 draw

• Round one (Saturday 26 March): v Lakes United Seagulls (Kurri Kurri Sports Ground)
• Round two (Saturday 2 April): v Macquarie Scorpions (Kurri Kurri Sports Ground)
• Round three (Sunday 10 April): v Western Suburbs Rosellas (Harker Oval)
• Round four (Saturday 16 April): v Cessnock Goannas (Baddeley Park, Cessnock Sports Ground)
• Round five (Saturday 23 April): v The Entrance Tigers (Kurri Kurri Sports Ground)
• Round six (Saturday 30 April): v South Newcastle Lions (Townson Oval)
• Round seven (Saturday 7 May): v Maitland Pickers (Kurri Kurri Sports Ground)
• Round eight (Sunday 22 May): v Central Newcastle Butcher Boys (St John Oval)
• Round nine (Saturday 28 May): v Wyong Roos (Kurri Kurri Sports Ground)
• Round 10 (Saturday 4 June): v Lakes United Seagulls (Cahill Oval)
• Round 11 (Saturday 11 June): v Macquarie Scorpions (Lyall Peacock Field)
• Round 12 (Saturday 19 June): v Western Suburbs Rosellas (Kurri Kurri Sports Ground)
• Round 13 (Saturday 25 June): v Cessnock Goannas (Kurri Kurri Sports Ground)
• Round 14 (Sunday 3 July): v The Entrance Tigers (EDSACC Oval North)
• Round 15 (Saturday 9 July): v South Newcastle Lions (Kurri Kurri Sports Ground)
• Round 16 (Saturday 16 July): v Maitland Pickers (Maitland No 1 Sportsground)
• Round 17 (Saturday 30 July): v Central Newcastle Butcher Boys (Kurri Kurri Sports Ground)
• Round 18 (Saturday 6 August): v Wyong Roos (Morry Breen Oval)

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