KURRI KURRI, whenever they eventually get on the paddock, look likely to have more Newcastle Rugby League rookies and club debutants than old Bulldogs playing their season opener.
The Coalfields outfit haven't played the first two rounds because of wash outs and are scheduled to meet Western Suburbs at Harker Oval on Sunday.
Kurri coach Aaron Watts, also awaiting his initial game in charge after joining the club in 2022, reckons the cap presentations could reach double figures.
Ethan Fowler, Jesse Wighton, Tim Bridge, Jimmy Smith, Tom Biddle, Nick Harvey, Harry Duggan, Billy Gilbert, Ryan Hawkshaw and Sam Fechner are expected to be among them.
"They [Kurri's old boys] will be shaking some hands that's for sure," Watts said.
Watts, previously in charge of the Newcastle Rebels, Scone Thoroughbreds and NSW Country under 18s, has recruited from far and wide with new arrivals from Dubbo, Wingham, Cootamundra, Gulgong and Upper Hunter.
"It was something we set out to do, making sure we had a lot of depth after losing a few. We brought in guys who wanted an opportunity, I'm pretty confident they'll be up to the mark," he said.
* LAKES will start their 75th anniversary celebrations with a book launch at Jewells Tavern on Friday.
The 98-page history of the club is called Still True Blue & Gold.
The Seagulls also have a major function planned for Belmont 16s on June 11.
* NEWCASTLE-MAITLAND were defeated 14-6 by Central Coast in the women's NSW Country Championships final at St Marys Leagues Stadium on the weekend.
* LADDER: Cessnock, Maitland 4; Wyong 2; Souths, Kurri, Macquarie, The Entrance, Central, Wests, Lakes 0.
