Central West kicked off its 2018 campaign on Sunday at the Dr Ross Memorial Recreation Ground with just on 20 players blowing out the cobwebs with a sharp training run Molong.

Looking to build on last season’s one-win-one-loss Caldwell Cup campaign, Oxley believes the early signs are positive.

“The quality was quite good, which is pleasing,” he said.

Participation numbers were down on this time last year though, but that’s because Central West’s first trial in 2017 had already been held.

Central West took on the NSW Gen Blue under 20s boys on February 4, 12 months ago.

“We’re easing into it a bit this year. For that (Gen Blue) fixture, everyone had to be mentally ready early, everyone was looking forward to that,” Oxley said.

“We had a few unavailable for the first session this year, around 10, but we look forward to their attendance at our next session.

“We just want to be transparent this year. We’re not asking players to give up everything to be here, we’re just asking for players to communicate with us.”

On the field, Central West will this year look to throw the ball around during its championship campaign, Oxley and assistant coach Graydon Staniforth emphasied that on Sunday.

“The whole theory is using the skills we have in the side. The players will take some responsibility to play what’s in front of them; less structure and more spontaneity,” Oxley said.

“We’ll practice that and develop their ability to read the play.”

Charlie French and Lachie Harris were the lone representatives from premiers Forbes and Orange Emus, respectively, on Sunday.

Oxley said he was confident more players from those two clubs, the two premier teams in the Blowes Clothing Cup over the last two seasons, will become available come the Blue Bulls’ next session, which is on February 18.

That run will be the squad’s final hit-out before the first trial of 2018, which is against the Canberra Royals on February 24.

That trial will be for colts, opens and women’s sides.

“I was impressed with the quality on Sunday, and the clubs those players were from,” Oxley added, with players from CSU Bathurst, Bathurst Bulldogs, Emus, Parkes, Forbes, Dubbo Roos, Mudgee, Cowra and Molong.

The Bathurst-based coach said he was especially pleased to see Cowra lock Chris Miller on Sunday.

Miller captained Central West two years ago before being selected for the NSW Country Cockatoos, but has had the last 12 months off rugby for personal reasons.

“He’s moved back to Cowra and is looking forward to reuniting with the Eagles and with the Blue Bulls,” Oxley said.

“He’s a great player to have around the squad. He’s great for the culture.”