2018 was a season of what could have been for the Red Devils, with slow starts costing them.

They lost four games by 10 or less points and drew another two.

In at least three of those they gave their opposition a 15-plus point head start before staging a second revival.

Rectifying that will be one of Martin’s main focuses, although the players really have to drive that.  

“It comes down to commitment and wanting to be there. Turning up with a mind focused on what we got to do," he said.

"And getting a better turnout at training so we can gel together more."

He knows what the side is capable of, working alongside former Red Devils coach Jason Waerea, as the side's manager, for the past three seasons.

“I know what we can do and what we can achieve," Martin said.

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He will be looking to build off the foundation Waerea set and expects them to again be strong up front with not many personnel changes.

"The majority of the squad is still there," he said.

The only losses he is aware of at this stage are Dave Heyman and Mal Frend.

On the flip side they have picked up a couple of new faces. 

They started training a couple of weeks before Australia Day and numbers have been encouraging.

“We’ve been averaging probably 25,” Martin said.

All up they’ve probably had 50 guys on the training park, just not all at once.

Stan Gaynor will assist Martin as manager.

Tom Torrance and Matt Whitaker will coach second grade and Brendan Bain the under-19s while John Hickey and Lincoln Stewart will look after the women’s sevens side as they look to go one better than last year.

Martin hasn't quite finalised their pre-season plans but is hoping to have a game in March against Quirindi, and maybe one or two other teams.