IT'S said often in rugby league that you can't manufacture experience. It's universal wisdom for a reason, but it's equally true of youthful exuberance.
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Some might say it's harder to find. It's not something Collegians coach Nathan Fien has had to go searching for this season, he has it in spades.
It's been evident over the opening three rounds that have seen the young Dogs edged out by Thirroul in a tight one in their season-opener before piling on 58 points in their past two outings.
They'll face possibly their sternest test of the season against defending premiers Wests on Saturday and winger Josh Constable says the younger brigade are relishing the challenge having been largely drip-fed top grade action in recent years.
"I've really enjoyed footy this year having a few younger boys and familiar faces that I've played with in the past coming up through the ranks," Constable said.
"Our training's very inclusive, all three grades train together and all different ages get to train together.
"You bounce off each other, the experienced players, the not-so experienced players.
"It just gives you an insight into where you need to be at."
The Dogs potential was immediately apparent in the preseason, claiming Challenge Cup silverware with a win over Thirroul in the final.
The Butchers got one back in round one but Constable said his side took plenty of momentum from of their preaseason run, something they're hoping to carry into Saturday's heavyweight stoush with Wests.
"To win the [preseason] comp was really good for us," Constable said.
"It was definitely good a confidence booster to have a few people leave in pivotal positions and then have young guys come up and do their job.
"After the [round one] game against Thirroul we had a chat about what we did well and what we need to work on.
"We thought we were there at the end of the game and the ball just didn't bounce our way. We'll just prepare the same this week and hopefully we'll be there at the game again."
The Devils themselves in a rich vein of form, racking up 66 points in two straight wins after the round one bye. With 24 tries between them in the past fortnight, Constable expects the clash at Collegians Sports Centre to come down to defence.
"It'll just be about controlling the ruck out there, controlling the tempo of the game and we'll see how we go," Constable said.
"Wests are the team to beat you'd think and you feel that in the camp at training and coming up to the game.
"The boys don't think too much about it [beforehand] but coming up against Wests is a game you always look forward to.
"They're probably the benchmark for the rest of the comp but it's just a matter of getting out there and getting the job done."
In other matches, Dapto will be looking to avoid a fourth straight defeat when they host Thirroul on Saturday, while Corrimal travel to Helensburgh.
Mitch Jennings
Sports writer. Sport is my passion, rugby league my first love.
Sports writer. Sport is my passion, rugby league my first love.
