Nelson Bay Junior Rugby League Football Club’s under 8 team has been asked to play before Australia takes on New Zealand in the Test match, and during the half game intermission.

The players will also help form a guard of honour that the Australian and Kiwi players will run on to the field through.

“It’s a huge experience for the kids,” club president Luke Williams said. 

“It will be great for them to see the stars of the NRL and to see New Zealand do the Haka; it’s a real privilege that we’ve been asked to take part.”

It is not the first time the Nelson Bay under 8’s have played at Hunter Stadium, however.

Each year Country Rugby League and the Newcastle Knights extend an opportunity to clubs with under 8 teams in the region to play before and at half time during games.

Four clubs are asked, and two games are run on the field at the same time.

“Under eights is the older end of mini rugby league,” Williams said.

“They can run the games across the field.

“And yeah, they’re pretty cute to watch.”

Australia and New Zealand play at 7.50pm.