Kurri Kurri were missing eight players from last week’s victory against Maitland.

“Our energy and effort was fantastic, I can’t fault it,” he said.

“We had three blokes making their first grade debut, with eight players out from last week.

“I walked away knowing I have a lot of blokes in reserve grade who can play first grade footy.

“Everyone dug in and had a real hot go. We had our chances in the second half but just couldn’t take them. We are not too far away.”

“From last week’s game we had Mick Steele and Tyme Dow-Nickau playing with the Knights, Pete Cronin was concussed and he didn’t play, Ben Wyborn and Joel McCann were at a wedding and Nathan Campbell has a fractured wrist.”

Williams said Terence Seu Seu continued his top form and showed real leadership.

“Terence Seu Seu was fantastic and Brady Hammond and Justin Peterkin were the pick of what was a terrific team effort,” he said.

Kade Hardy and Mitch Cullen both scored first-half tries, with the Bulldogs going into the sheds down 10-16.

A converted Macquarie try was the only score in the second half.

As with the first grade, the  lower grades were depleted with Reserve grade going down 40-4, Open grade fighting to the end losing 18-16. The under 19’s fought back from 10 nil down early to come and win well 28-16 with two tries to Aaron O’Driscoll leading the way.

The Bulldogs play  Lakes United at Cahill Oval on Saturday at 3pm.

The following week’s game against Wests at Sylvester Real Estate Sportsground has been changed from Saturday to unday May 15. due to the Newcastle rep side playing on Saturday.