It’s probably too early to tell considering we’re several months from the start of next year’s Group 10 Rugby League season, but after a pretty dismal 2017 it certainly seems like they’re heading in the right direction.

The Blayney club struggled last season, the Bears’ four grades winning just 17 of 65 games between them – including finals.

All of those victories came in under 18s and league tag, the maroons’ premier league and first division sides running through the entire season winless with players regularly running out for two games every weekend as the club endeavoured to fulfill its senior obligations, and field both sides.

But the club could reap the reward of that commitment, toil and hard work after the key signing of a new captain-coach in Tim Mortimer, who thinks the Bears are capable of punching above their weight in 2018 after announcing a couple more big pick-ups.

That added depth is the key for Mortimer, a premiership-winner with Orange CYMS, who enjoyed his first outing in his new role at last Friday night’s informal meet-and-greet in Blayney.

That's where he officially announced the signings of former Orange Hawks halfback Keegan Harding, who’s played for Orange City in the Blowes Clothing Cup in recent winters, and former Bathurst St Pat’s prop Brady Cheshire.

Deryne McKenzie, a former Western Rams gun, is also on the cusp of re-signing after playing just three games in 2017.

“There’s no secret they didn’t win games last year because there was a number of boys playing reserves before first grade,” Mortimer said.

“A bit more depth would be great for the club’s success in the future.

“I’d urge anyone who wants a bit of a fresh start to pop in. Being a new coach at a new club, all positions are open.”

“I had a bit of chat to (Brady), he’s got a bit of family in Blayney and wants to try something new. We’re very welcoming of that.”

Mortimer went on to say his new club is in good shape in terms of young talent, a host of the Bears’ juniors will continue on at King George Oval in 2018.

However, the Bears will be without last year’s mentor Will Ingram and star utility Josh Rainbow.

Both are expected to return to the Cowra Magpies in 2018, a club Ingram and Rainbow last represented in 2014 and 2013 respectively.

Mortimer heaped praise on both and wished them well.

“They’ve both been great players for Blayney over the last few years. I knew it’d be hard for Will to stay, I totally understand why he left, and Josh is a great mate of Will’s too,” Mortimer said.

“We’ll do the best with what we’ve got. I think they were good last year, it was just a shame they didn’t win a game because if they did I think they would have gone on to win more.”

The Bears’ pre-season campaign kicks off on Monday, January 15 at King George Oval.