"It's a tremendous credit to the teachers of the local primary schools in the Newcastle, Maitland and North Coast region that are providing an opportunity for the kids to come and play in a fun and safe environment," Newcastle Knights NSW Cup coach and community rugby league manager Matt Lantry said.
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A total of 4500 children between the ages of 10 and 16 years would play rugby league in the knockout competition.
Lantry said a school that illustrated the spirit of the competition was St Brigid's from Raymond Terrace.
"Mark Wilson [teacher] has always had a focus on enjoyment and participation before he worries about winning any type of competition. For a school that has decent numbers, he's entered two teams in the open-A division.
"We get 20 more kids per age group having a crack at footy because he's all about providing the opportunities for kids to play rugby league," Lantry said.
The final two teams standing after winning their semis go through the grand final, which would be played on July 15 at Hunter Stadium. The teams that win the grand final were given the opportunity to represent the Newcastle and Hunter Valley regions at the all schools state knockout in Sydney.
