But the Molong Bulls coach says this year, back playing where it all started, he's happier now than he's just about ever been playing rugby league.

The former Bathurst Panthers mentor hung up the boots at the end of 2017 when a busted body finally caught up with him but 12 months away from the game stoked his competitive flame.

Molong's reincarnation after six years away from the Woodbridge Cup then opened the door for a comeback of sorts when Barrow signed up to coach, but he's now leading the charge on the field too - and loving every minute of it.

"I've been playing and really enjoying it," the former NSW Country Seconds rep said.

"It's been the happiest I've been for a lot of years, being back home.

"I'd say retirement's not far away but I said that last year, too, and when the brothers wanted to get this going again it was hard not to be involved.

"I'm really enjoying it at the moment. Hopefully the body holds up."

Barrow's body and Molong's 4-2 record to kick off the Woodbridge Cup goes on the line at Grenfell on Sunday.

The Bulls sit fourth and the Goannas are in third - both are on 10 competition points with four wins and a bye - so Molong's round eight road trip will be a big test.

The next couple of weeks, in fact, could tell the tale of Molong's season.

They play Grenfell Sunday and then Manildra at Molong in the first Cabonne derby in a long time the following week.

For Barrow, though, negotiating what will be a tricky fortnight is more about focusing on the Bulls than it is their opposition's credentials.

"We're sort of not getting carried away. I don't know a lot about too many sides but we've shown when we get ourselves right we can compete with anyone," Barrow said, referencing his side's win at Canowindra.

"It's just about trying to get the boys to bring it every week, that's the tough bit.

"We've been up and down with our form last couple of weeks so we're trying to fix that."

Last week Molong knocked off a Peak Hill outfit that includes former Group 11 guns Blaize Fuller and Luke Thompson last week at Molong, 40-22.

Josh Amberle was terrific in that game and Barrow said the versatile back has been killing it all season.

"He's been our best most weeks. Not much of him and plays above his weight," he added.

In other Woodbridge Cup round eight games, Cargo hosts Eugowra on Saturday in what shapes as a fiery contest, with former Heelers Matt Fuller and Dan Lang in the black and gold this season.

The Heelers snuck into the top five after a narrow 30-24 victory over Condobolin the week before and coach Anthony Redfern will be desperate to ensure Cargo makes the most of another opportunity to jag a valuable two points.

In other games, Canowindra and Condobolin face off at Tom Clyburn Oval and Manildra hosts Peak Hill, both games are on Sunday. Trundle has the bye.