Since marking their return to Central West Rugby Union last season by advancing all the way to the grand final, the CSU squad has undergone plenty of changes.

But from what coach Dom Huggett saw on Saturday in Wellington, his 2019 CSU outfit will again make their presence felt.

Claire Woolmington, last season's Ferguson Cup player of the year, crossed for three tries in the opening half before injury forced her from the field.

However, CSU's new recruits then stood up in her absence.

Though Redbacks finally breached the students' defence in the third quarter, Maddison Thompson hit back to ensure the students started with a win.

READ MORE: Bulldogs' sporting gesture helps CSU

READ MORE: Ferguson Cup debut clubs impress

READ MORE: CSU wins its first season opener in seven years

"We still had a few returning players missing for the game, so we had a fair few new girls playing, but they really held their own against Wellington, who are a pretty solid side in the middle," Huggett said.

"It was just what we needed, as soon as Claire helped us secure the game and went off, it was good to see the girls keep working hard and develop their skills.

"Wellington, they really stuck it to us in a lot of areas, so I was very happy.

"We have a fair amount of size in our pack like last year, they're not afraid to get into it, so yeah, it was really good."