And, the youngsters from Merriwa, Scone, Aberdeen, Muswellbrook, Denman and Singleton are training “the house down” in readiness for the event, from July 16 to 19.

They’ll join more than 1200 rugby league, football, netball and basketball players, as well as boxers, from around the state on the big sporting stage across the Hunter.

The Muswellbrook-based contingent is eyeing off success this time around after making its presence felt at the 2017 competition, according to local PCYC manager De-anne Douglas.

“We’ll field teams in the netball (July 16) and the boys’ and girls’ rugby league (July 18 and 19), both at Raymond Terrace,” she said.

“They’re in great hands, too.

“Kiera Bastick is overseeing the netballers, while father-daughter combination Albert and Caitlin Albury are coaching the league sides.

“We did well in 2017, but I’m expecting them to do better this year.

“Luckily, some of the kids are keen to step up again because it fits into their age group.

“So, we’ve got players from throughout the region, which is great.

“Plus, it gives them a unique opportunity that they might not usually have.”

While all representatives receive a supplied uniform, showcasing their local totems, prominent Muswellbrook business Blackrock Industries stepped in as well.

“They’ve donated hoodies to all of our participants,” Ms Douglas said.

“It’s lovely to receive that type of support.

“Everyone’s thrilled to be a part of the PCYC NSW Nations of Origin.

“The staff and volunteers [here at Muswellbrook] will run the canteen down there, with the money we raise going towards our costs.

“The youngsters have sold raffle tickets towards it, too.

“I don’t know who’s more excited – me or the kids.”

An initiative of PCYC NSW, each team includes indigenous and non-indigenous players to promote reconciliation within communities and engage Aboriginal and non-Aboriginal members in PCYC through sport.

PCYC NSW CEO Dominic Teakle said Nations of Origin was now the largest Aboriginal youth sporting event in the state.

“It is a great example of how PCYC is empowering our young people through education, sport and reconciliation,” he said.

“Competitors are also given entry into PCYC’s flagship Blue Star citizenship and leadership programs as we encourage the next generation of community leaders.”

Commander of the NSW Police Force Youth and Crime Prevention Command Superintendent David Roptell said youth case management and school liaison police, as well as officers from local police districts from around the state, would be acting as coaches, mentors and support staff.

“These officers will be working with young people through their home clubs and travelling with them to the tournament,” he said.

“It is also a terrific chance to strengthen relationships between police and young people and encourage them to be the best they can.”

The competition has been sanctioned and is supported by the NSW Rugby League, Football NSW, Port Stephens Netball Association, Boxing Australia NSW and Basketball NSW.