The Bulls have had a strong pre-season with success in trial matches against Goondiwindi, Walgett and Guyra, as well as making it to the final in the Croppa Creek gala day, and first grade coach David Silversides is confident of a good season ahead.

“We’ve had a very good pre-season and good numbers at training,” he said.

“We’ve had a number of trial matches and have prepared as well as we can.

“I’m optimistic for the season ahead.”

With a number of new and young players to the Moree club this year, the first grade side has undergone some significant changes, so Silversides said this year is more about rebuilding than winning.

“With a lot of new players it’ll take time to build up our combinations,” he said.

“Obviously the end goal is to win as many games as you can, although it’s not only about results but building up team combinations and building a game structure that suits our players and the strengths they have.

“We want to see a progressive improvement over the coming season.”

This Saturday’s season opener will see the Bulls take on Gunnedah.

While the Red Devils haven’t been strong competitors over the past few years, Silversides said he’s not expecting it to be an easy match.

“I anticipate a strong team from Gunnedah to challenge us on the weekend,” he said.

“They’ve gone through a bit of a rebuilding stage too and have attracted a few new players to their club, so I’m anticipating a strong hit-out.

“We’ve been happy with our trial form but obviously trial form doesn’t always reflect competition form.”

First and second grade sides will be named at training tonight (Thursday, April 21) ahead of this Saturday’s clash. 

“We had a short break over Easter so we can hit the ground running this weekend and get the season off to a good start,” Silversides said.

The Bulls will travel to Gunnedah’s Rugby Park this Saturday, April 22, with second grade to kick off at 1.30pm and first grade to take the field at 3pm.