TOP level football in Bungendore is set for another big kick-off this Friday night with the Bungendore Tigers while the Bungendore Mudchooks start on Saturday afternoon.
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The Tigers will be looking to reset themselves in the top four of the George Tooke Shield rugby league competition, while the Mudchooks will look to go one better to the grand final of ACT and Southern New South Wales rugby union division two.
The Mudchooks finished fourth last year but were knocked out in the semi final stage.
They face a tough task playing Jindabyne at home, who were undefeated last season in winning the competition, but coach Dave McDonald said it was a good opportunity for a reality check on the side.
"It's a tough task, but at the same time we'd rather get that game out of the way. That way we know where we're at at the start of the season and where we need to build," he said.
The Mudchooks do not have a junior program and have no affiliation with the Queanbeyan Whites, and sign players through community outreach.
They last won their competition in 2011, but have lost 25 players in the last two years. Skipper James Pryde, Nathan Sillis, Adam Stevens, Andrew Turner and brothers Tim and Nathan Moffat are each expected to fire for the 'Chooks' this season.
The Tigers missed the George Tooke Shield play-offs for the first time in a number of years last season, but having trained since February have given themselves a good boost for round one against the Binalong Brahams.
Senior player and former captain/coach Steve Death said two trials against Canberra Raiders Cup reserve sides West Belconnen and Woden gave them lessons on what structures they need to use this season.
"Through our trials we used plenty of different combinations, with some under 18s players from last year coming into first grade, and it was good to see our young fellas do well," he said.
Former Queanbeyan Kangaroo Bryce Barnaby will join the squad this season in a big boost for the Tigers.
Both teams are playing at the Mick Sherd Oval in Bungendore.