THE FNQ Bulls will open their Queensland State League campaign with an away match against competition powerhouse Sunshine Coast next month.

The eight-team league kicks off on March 27, with the Bulls playing their first home game at Mareeba’s Borzi Park the following week against Bundaberg Spirit.

Pictures: FNQ Bulls

The third round, on April 20, sees the Bulls host arch rivals the North Queensland Razorbacks in the first northern derby of the season.

Bulls coach Peter Tokesi is happy with the draw and appreciates that his side plays the Sunshine Coast and Razorbacks within the first month.

"We’ll need to be prepared," Tokesi said. "I think we were a little bit relaxed at the start of last year and didn’t know what to expect, but that won’t be the case this year.

"I’ve said it before that I think Townsville, Sunshine Coast and the Strikers are the teams to beat this year and I’m glad we’re playing two of them early.

"You never know, they might come in a bit relaxed.

"The other good thing about the draw is that we only have to go to Rockhampton and Bundaberg once each because that’s the worst road trip for us by far."

After a strong pre-season, the Bulls have a series of trial games lined up before the opening round.

The Bulls are planning to play FNQ premier division side Stratford tonight after their game in Mareeba was washed out last Saturday.

Tokesi said his players were ready for a hit-out.

"I think we’ve trained quite strongly in the summer, but we need this match practice," he said.

"You can run around the block until the cows come home, but without match fitness, you won’t last five minutes in a proper
game."

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