From the initial squad Oxley named Narromine's John Ellis (thumb), Cowra's Chris Miller (shoulder), Warren's George Quigley (finger), Harden's Aaron Seaman (hamstring) and Bathurst Bulldogs duo Will Oldham (groin) and Brenton Gibson (sternum) have all withdrawn.

From the wider squad Orange Emus' Nick Hughes-Clapp (shoulder), Orange City's Josh Tremain (concussion), Bulldogs' Hayden Leopold (hamstring), Joel Harper (arm) and Harry Webber (thumb) were all unavailable through injury as well, which has seriously tested the region's depth.

"You'll notice there's quite a few Bulldogs players and then Gooch (Miller) from Cowra as well, last weekend's (Blowes Clothing Cup) game was just brutal," Oxley said.

"That's the nature of that competition though where you're playing tough games week-in, week-out and there's a lot of tough football before the championships, which I imagine is the same for the other zones too although we've had an extraordinary amount of injuries.

"I think I've counted nine guys who have played for New South Wales Country recently who are unavailable because of injury and it is sad for the guys who have been forced to withdraw, but it gives other players an opportunity who might not have thought they'd get it.

"It definitely tests the region's depth but we are lucky we have so much depth and so many good footballers in the Central West, so I'm definitely still confident we can go up to Tamworth, get the job done and get that cup."

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Oxley pointed back to Central West's pre-season tour of New Zealand and the sessions conducted with the wider squad as a massive benefit now, considering those injuries.

"We had 40 or so guys buying in and setting the standards, and although we've called on a few who haven't been part of that system that's a big thing in terms of the culture around the group," Oxley said.

"Not that I'm a Queensland supporter but the Maroons often speak of playing for each other at the State of Origin level and I'm a big advocate of that. The playing group is setting the target of winning the Caldwell Cup, that's not just me, so it's great to see so much pride in the Blue Bulls jumper."

Even with those injuries considered Oxley's squad is a strong one, which will feature reigning Caldwell Cup player-of-the-tournament Mahe Fangupo, who has recovered sufficiently from knee complaint which initially ruled him out.

Cowra's Sailasa Taueki, Mudgee's Dave Jessiman, Bulldogs' Matt Trapp, Condobolin's Josh Hudson, Forbes' Tom Macleay and Dubbo Kangaroos' Luke Ryan have all come into the squad, while Eagles' prop Joe Dakuitoga moves into the front row as well.

"I am really excited about seeing what these guys can do, there's a couple of unknown quantities there but also some really experienced, strong footballers," Oxley said.

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The Blue Bulls face the Mid North Coast Axemen in their opening game of the tournament on Saturday, from 12.50pm at Tamworth's Scully Park, before reigning champions Illawarra take on last year's promoted Richardson Shield winners Central Coast from 3.50pm.

The two winners face off for country week glory on Sunday while the losing sides square-up to avoid relegation.

"Without being disrespectful I don't think the Mid North Coast zone has the same depth ours does, but they'll have some really elite players, like former Waratah AJ Gilbert, who I assume will play flanker," Oxley said.

"We have to get through them first before hopefully playing, I assume, Illawarra in the final. [The Axemen] will be tough, they didn't earn promotion a couple of years ago for no reason.

"Should we get through, the lesson we've learned in recent years is that we have to have petrol left in the tank for the final, so everyone will be doing the heavy lifting, it'll be a real team effort."