Tipped by most as wooden spooners, the Kurri Kurri Bulldogs are unbeaten at sit on top of the Newcastle Rugby League ladder after round three.
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The Bulldogs beat Lakes United 24-12 at Kurri Kurri Sportsground on Saturday to sit top just ahead of Macquarie Scorpions who accounted for South Newcastle 28-26 to be the only other undefeated team.
Maitland’s winning was ended by a ruthless and determined Central Newcastle who showed their class in a clinical 36-12 victory at Maitland Sportsground on Saturday.
The Butcherboys are Kurri’s next opponent with the Bulldogs travelling to St John Oval next Sunday.
Central, who recruited heavily over the off-season, will be Kurri’s sternest test to date, but one coach Ron Griffiths is looking forward to.
“Three wins is a great start to the season, but we’re not getting carried away with ourselves,” he said.
“We know it’s a long season and we’ve got lots of challenges ahead, but I’ve been really pleased with the boys and how they have remained committed to each other in defence no matter how the game is going.
“There’s a fair bit of love and respect among the group and they made a commitment to be there for each other in pre-season and are sticking to it.
“That commitment extends to our supporters and the community of Kurri Kurri who are so loyal and supportive of us. It was great to get such a good win at home for them.”
![DYNAMIC DUO: Kurri Kurri's Ben Wyborn and Mitch Cullen. DYNAMIC DUO: Kurri Kurri's Ben Wyborn and Mitch Cullen.](/images/transform/v1/crop/frm/33FVAk7YxZ786YcQSXi4WkS/422c4c68-6f10-479b-887f-cf17a270e719.jpg/r1683_52_3663_1857_w1200_h678_fmax.jpg)
The Bulldogs, who were without halfback Jade Porter and winger Tyme Dow-Nikau started brightly getting the first two tries and scoring again as the Sea Gulls staged a comeback to lead 14-12 at half-time.
Young forward Reid Alchin continued his great form with a double and centre Zeb Dunstan the other in what was hard-fought half.
The Bulldogs maintained their intensity in the second half.
“Lakes lost their halfback just before half-time and it was tough for them after that,” Griffiths said.
“But we maintained the pressure and intensity and were able to keep them scoreless and get a couple of tries ourselves.”
Jarom Haines who came into the side to replace Dow-Nikau scored a four-pointer and Brady Hammond the other as the Bulldogs finished 24-10 winners.
Griffiths said the versatility and growing depth of the squad was highlighted with Mitch Cullen able to move from lock to the halves to partner Sam Wooden when Porter was unavailable.
He said he was hopeful Porter and Dow-Nikau would both be available for selection.
Zeb Dunstan continued his outstanding start with the Bulldogs, since his switch from Cessnock, earning the players’ player award.
Griffths said he could not separate dummy-half partnering Tom McKenzie and Ben Wyborn for the coach’s’ award.