I an ideal world, selectors should pick as many Bulldogs players as possible and demand they be stood down from their round 10 clash with the Cowboys if they don’t show. If the Bulldogs choose to so flagrantly thumb their nose at what is the final time the traditional clash is held, their should be some consequence.  

ARLC chairman John Grant admitted the NRL was powerless to impose any but his “meh” response to it on Wednesday was just the latest illustration of how out of touch he really is. Obviously that chaufferred vehicle he likes to travel in doesn’t do much mileage through country areas where the game’s doing it tough.

Places like Cootamundra, the hometown of Dragons forward Jack de Belin who made his long-awaited debut for Country last season. When selected, he used his interview with this columnist to pay tribute to the Cootamundra Bulldogs for sticking through the tough times that have plagued footy in the bush.

It’s why he’s desperate to feature again this season.

“I wouldn’t be here where I’m standing right now if it wasn’t for the Cootamundra Bulldogs,” he told Kickoff this week.

Kickoff is not deluded enough to fight for the retention of the City-Country clash. Sadly it will be another casualty of progress but the fact is, NRL coaches have already gotten their way. This is the last year the game will be played.

Their efforts to erode the credibility of the contest through mass ‘injury’ withdrawals have finally prompted power brokers to say enough is enough. It’s been accepted by stakeholders – including the Country Rugby League who have the most skin in the game – with good grace. They could’ve reasonably expected clubs to play ball one last time, or at least spare us the tired “concern for player welfare” line the Bulldogs trotted out. 

The club had no issue letting Josh Jackson and David Klemmer back up from Origin II last season on just two days rest. Players don’t think twice about backing up from Origin and coaches think less about picking them.

City-Country has hardly put a huge strain on the competition in recent seasons. It typically hands young emerging players their first rep jersey. Are the Bulldogs worried the likes of Matt Frawley, Adam Elliott, Kerrod Holland and Michael Lichaa are going to be burnt out by the end of the year?

Last year the Dragons played Canberra in the same Thursday night clash the Bulldogs have taken umbrage to this season with eight players backing up across both sides. Ricky Stuart pulled no punches in his criticism of his scheduling but neither he, or Paul McGregor, thought it right to deny their players a rep jersey out of self-interest.