After returning home to their new base at Sylvan Road, the Bulldogs regained their bite in 2017 and played their way back into Premier Rugby contention for the first time in a decade.

After finishing fourth, Wests’ led Sunnybank for 80 minutes in the opening week of the playoffs, before the Dragons forwards marched their way up the field on the back of a dominant scrum and broke Bulldog hearts after the full time siren.

While Pat Byron’s men were able to transform from Premier Rugby cellar dwellers to genuine contenders in less than 12 months, last year’s taste of finals footy has only made Wests’ hungrier heading into 2018.

Last year’s result: 4th (9 wins, 7 losses)

Gains: Marcus Vanzetti (Souths), Rob Puli’uvea (QLD Country), Liam Moseley (Canberra Vikings), Sam Edwards (UQ).

Losses: Cody Blackhurst (Sydney), Larry Hermans (Sydney), Ed Fidow (France).

2018 Captain: Jeremiah Lynch

Overview with Pat Byron: 

“We’ve had a really good summer and have been training together since back in October. All the boys have worked really hard in that time and it’s a bit of a relief to get stuck into our first trial match this weekend,” Byron said.

“Obviously we were thrilled to turn things around on the park last year and there have been a lot of people that have worked really hard for quite a few years now to make that happen. We moved up the ladder in almost every grade and our colts also finished the year as minor premiers.

“In saying that, we’re obviously still disappointed with how our Premier season finished. We did a lot of things right up until the final few minutes and unfortunately our set piece just wasn’t good enough when it mattered.

“That left a bit of a sour taste in our mouths and I think that finish is what has been driving a lot of the guys over the past few months during preseason.”

Areas of improvements: 

“Our tight five has been a major focus because we know our set piece wasn’t good enough last year. We’ve worked hard to coach and up skill the players that we already had at the club then we’ve also recruited a few new players to bolster out stocks,” Byron continued.

“Our forwards coaches Even Willis and Fletcher Dyson have worked really hard with all of our tight five over summer and the fact that we’ve been able to bring some new players in should put us in good stead.

“It’s not like we didn’t spend a lot of time on it last year, we certainly didn’t neglect it but it’s a major focus for us this year and it’s an area where we know we need to be better.”

Player(s) to watch: 

“I honestly think that Marcus Vanzetti (Check) is going to have a really big year for us and he’s got a lot to prove after not playing a lot with the Reds last year. I’m hoping that he’ll do really well for us,” Byron said.

“Liam Moseley at No.10 is also going to be a great inclusion, I think he’ll be one to watch this year.

“We’ve got quite a few young guys pushing through from colts to grade as well. Joe Maher is a really exciting talent, he played colts last year for us and I think he’s ready to make the step up. Then you’ve got guys like Effie Ma’afu and Jordan Petaia who are both involved in the QLD and Australian 20s at the moment and I think they’ll both have a big impact in Premier Grade when we get them.”

What are you hopes and expectations for the season? 

“Like most other sides, we want to win the competition this year. Obviously the first step is to consolidate a spot in the top four and then once we get to the finals, anything can happen.”

Who will your team play in the grand final this year? 

“I think Souths will be a very good team this year and obviously GPS had a really good season as well in 2017 so I think they’ll both be right up there.

“Brothers will also be back to their best this year.

“I think it’ll be another tight competition. I think last year showed just how tight it can be, the top four was only decided with one round to play and I think that’s great for the competition. I’m expecting it to be similar again this year, if not even tighter again.”

Photo: QRU Media – Meggie Whitchurch