Southcity will unveil virtually a brand new back line at the West Wyalong Knockout on Friday with star playmaker Nathan Rose the most notable absentee.
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Halfback Kyle McCarthy is the only back named from last year’s grand final winning team, with the Bulls to take a youthful back line to the tournament.
Rose has been ruled out after undergoing minor knee surgery earlier this year.
The brilliant five-eighth is no stranger to knee issues, however Bulls captain-coach Nick Skinner is confident the Country representative will be fit for the start of the Group Nine season.
“He’s had a clean out and will miss our trials but should be good for round one,” Skinner said.
Rogan Price has named in his place.
Price is one of three backs stepping up from Southcity’s reserve grand team from last season with Mitch Bennett and Matt Tullberg also coming in to cover a number of permanent personnel changes.
The Bulls have lost premiership winning centres Usaia O’Sullivan and Ethan McGuire as well as Jack Lyons to cross town rivals Kangaroos.
Cody Hodge has joined the Canberra Raiders while his brother Jade Hodge is still on the sidelines.
The older of the Hodges is another set to go under the knife in a bid to alleviate a hernia issue.
Southcity have picked up Jake Dooley from Kangaroos and young centre Riley Flint from Brothers.
Bringing in fresh talent to the back line was the off-season focus for the Bulls, and Skinner is confident the losses have can be covered.
Southcity have drawn to play Group 11 premiers Forbes on Friday.
Skinner believes it will be a tough test.
“I know a few of their players and they should be a good challenge,” he said.
SOUTHCITY: Jake Dooley, Luke McBeath, Riley Flint, Mitch Bennett, Matt Tullberg, Rogan Price, Kyle McCarthy, Nick Skinner, Pani Manawatu, Hayden Jeans, Tim Hurst, Mitch Curran, Jordan Shepherd, Tyson Hodge, Brent Snowden, Tim Jones, Josh Cochrane, Thomas Besgrove
