Horror start to titles for Riverina under 23s

Illawarra South Coast proved far too strong at Equex Centre on Saturday to kick start the under 23s campaign.

Riverina failed to get on the board while their rivals ran riot, going on to take a 46-0 victory.

Coach Jody Rudd was left disappointed by the display, especially after some promising trial form.

"It was always going to be a tough challenge for us, and we knew that, but the guys were really disappointed after the game," Rudd said.

"It certainly wasn't a demonstration of all the work they have in prior to that game.

"Certainly the effort was there, but I'm just disappointed with how the way they executed on the day."

Riverina let in two late tries during the first half, one off an intercept, but things really got out on hand in the second half.

Rudd thought the team let the ballooning scoreline get the better of them.

The bigger Dragons side really took advantage to end any realistic hope of the Bulls progressing through to the finals.

"When you are playing a side who is a lot physically dominant that what you are you need to control the ball and you need to be able to hang in their when the momentum is against you and not panic," Rudd said.

"We tended to panic a little bit and we just didn't execute.

"We created a lot of little half chances but just didn't execute properly, panicked a little bit and handed a lot of ball over to them.

"When they are bigger and stronger than you, you just can't keep doing it."

It was part of a poor day for Riverina in the representative area.

Riverina will have a chance to show what they are really capable of when they host Monaro at Leeton No.1 Oval on Sunday.

Brothers playmaker Dylan McLachlan is expected to be back for the clash.

However Albury fullback James Girdler will be sidelined after picking up a collarbone injury, as well as a ribs complaint, on Saturday.

Rudd doesn't believe he make too many changes to the side.

"It has virtually wiped all our chances of making the next round but there is a good handful of guys that will still be a very good chance of making a Country team with a good performance against Monaro," he said.

"As a group we have to come back together and put in the work against Monaro so those guys have the best chance."

Monaro come into the clash after a 26-10 win over Central Coast at Goulburn on Saturday.

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