THEY got caught out last season, but that won’t be happening this year.
The Group 10 defending premiers, Orange CYMS were sprung in last season’s Bathurst Knockout going down 18-16 after leading 10-0 to the lowly ranked Cowra Magpies on the opening night of the sudden-death competition.
Again drawn Cowra for round one, CYMS coach Mick Sullivan is ready.
“Any side with Warren Williams in it with this format is dangerous,” Sullivan said ahead of the $3000-to-the-winner knockout.
“The knockout suits them, they did well in West Wyalong as well. They’re definitely a dangerous side to play first up in Bathurst.”
CYMS have competed in the West Wyalong knockout as well as playing a trial against Wagga Brothers this pre-season.
Sullivan said he would put his best side out on the park tonight.
“We’ve had a few trials but had a couple out each time. We’re getting closer to the season now so we want to be playing our best side possible before round one,” he said.
Sullivan, though, is still out with an injured hamstring.
If needed he’ll play tomorrow night but at this stage, the former NRL player’s goal is round one of the Group 10 competition proper against Hawks.
“I’m just getting fit at the moment,” he said.
“I’ll see my physio but I definitely won’t be playing on Friday night. If we make it through to Saturday we’ll see but I really want to be fit for round one.”
CYMS take on Cowra from 9.15pm tonight.
If they record a victory they’ll then play the winner of Mudgee and Bathurst Panthers in the semi-final tomorrow.
The grand final kicks off at 5.30pm tomorrow evening.