He had every right to be too.

Despite his side going down 59-17 to a slick and physical NSW Gen Blue squad, the Blue Bulls rallied during a tough second half – a stanza the hosts had every right to wilt in as the mercury hit 38 degrees.

Tries to Bathurst Bulldog Peter Fitsimmons, hometown hero Adam Rayner and Orange Emus trotter Tom Goolagong ensured last season’s Richardson Shield champions progress into their next trial with belief – crucial ahead of the side’s Caldwell Cup return.

“We always knew it was going to be a really hard day,” Oxley said.

“The first 10 minutes was 0-all, which was pleasing, but turnover ball, the Waratahs 20s were far too good with that ball.

“Their ability to maintain possession and starve us of the ball meant they turned phases into tries.”

The Blue Bulls won the final quarter of the contest 12-5.

“We had some good quarters and some not-so-good quarters … but we’ve got something to work from,” Oxley continued.

“It’s the third time we’ve been together as a group. I’m proud of the boys.”

To put it into context, Central West’s three sessions as a group pales into insignificance when Gen Blue prop, and former Kinross Wolaroi First XV skipper Cody Walker says his side has been preparing for two months.

Early on, that difference showed as well.

Despite the Blue Bulls holding firm early, when the Gen Blue outside backs got a shot, they invariably took it.

Tries to prop Harry Johnson-Holmes then outside centre Esera Chee-Kam opened the floodgates, with the Gen Blue guns racing in another four five-pointers to push the half-time lead to 38-0.

Fitsimmons barged his way over to open the second half to stem the tide, ensuring a more even contest throughout the final 40 minutes.

Walker, in his first game in the Central West since graduating from Kinross at the end of 2015, relished the challenge.

“It was a bit hot though,” he smiled.

“It’s a good warm-up. It’s good to come out here against a tough bunch of blokes to play against. They were great. Tough as nails.

“I think the heat got me a bit. There’s a bit more work to be done fitness wise for me.

“If you want to improve you’ve got to go to Sydney. If you want to make it, that’s where everything is.”

Gen Blue wingers Eddie King and Sepesa Tarogi were lethal for the visitors, turning half-breaks into points regularly for the baby blues.

Size and speed from one to 15, the Gen Blue side was all class in its big victory at Mudgee.

“We’ve been training hard for the last six to eight weeks. We did well. Our fitness was good but there’s a bit of work to do,” he added.