Both teams were severely undermanned, with the Pickers falling to Western Suburbs 22-12 and Bulldogs losing 22-10 to last year’s runners up Macquarie Scorpions.

Pickers coach Trevor Ott said he could not have been prouder of his team’s resolve to stick with the powerhouse Rosellas under such trying circumstances.

“I was stoked with our effort. I had no PJ Ellis, I had no Cameron King and I lost Billy Towers in the first half with suspected broken ribs.

“Our blokes were massive we were only down 10-6 at half-time, honestly it was a charge down in the second half which gifted them a try which was the difference.

“They’re a side of superstars and they only walked away with a win in first grade. Our lower grades beat them all. So it was just fantastic for the club going forward.”

“It was really only a charge down and a resultant try in the second half which sealed it for Wests,” Ott said.

Bulldogs coach Phil Williams’ team was in an even tougher fix, with eight players from last week’s victory against Maitland missing.

“Our energy and effort was fantastic, I can’t fault it,” he said.

“We had three blokes making their first grade debut, with eight players out from last week. I walked away knowing I have a lot of blokes in reserve grade who can play first grade footy.

“Everyone dug in and had a real hot go. We had our chances in the second half but just couldn’t take them. We are not too far away.”

“From last week’s game we had Mick Steele and Tyme Dow-Nickau playing with the Knights, Pete Cronin was concussed and he didn’t play, Ben Wyborn and Joel McCann were at a wedding and Nathan Campbell has a fractured wrist.”

Williams said Terence Seu Seu continued his top form and showed real leadership.

“Terence Seu Seu was fantastic and Brady Hammond and Justin Peterkin were the pick of what was a terrific team effort,” he said.

Kade Hardy and Mitch Cullen both scored first-half tries, with the Bulldogs going into the sheds down 10-16.

A converted Macquarie try was the only score in the second half.

Ott said hooker Kurt Aldridge and fullback Steve Waetford shared the players’ player award. 

“Steve got two tries and got my coaches award. He was a stand out for us.

“Rob Mason and Tylar Carter were fantastic in the middle of the park for us and Kurt controlled the game for us at No.9. He certainly challenged the defence. Geordie Connelly played a bit of lock today and played very well.”