Junee started off on a winning note but it could have come at a cost.
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The Diesels lost captain-coach Trent Schubach (hip flexor), Rusiate Kaliseiwaqa (hamstring) and Chris Lewis (knee) in the 36-24 win over Cootamundra at Les Boyd Oval on Sunday.
Despite coming off worse for wear, Schubach was pleased to take the win in his first game at the helm of the Diesels.
"It was pretty rough but we got their in the end," Schubach said.
"We struggled towards the end with a couple of outside backs off injured, so we did some reshuffling, but a win is a win."
Cootamundra fired out of the blocks with the opening two tries before the Diesels hit back with five straight to lead 26-12 just after half-time.
However the Bulldogs took advantage of a patched-up back line to cut the margin to two points with 20 minutes to play before late tries to Dakota Ruta and Jarom Vakarewakobau ensured the victory.
Schubach admitted there was plenty of twists and turns in the clash.
"We started pretty slow but our middle players coming off the bench made a pretty big impact and we got the momentum back," he said.
"We scored three or four tries late in the second half when we got that momentum and it was a bit of grind the in the second half before getting a second wind to score a couple of late tries to seal it."
Simione Naiduki and Tom Brandon provided the spark the Diesels off the bench however the injury concerns will provide plenty of headaches at the Diesels look to continue to winning start to the season up against Southcity on Sunday.
It's been a problem that plagued Junee during the pre-season and continues to test their depth.
Plus they will have to face a Bulls outfit looking to hit back after a shock loss to Temora.
Meanwhile Cootamundra will be gunning for their first win up against Kangaroos, who downed Young to start the season.
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