The Mercury has partnered with TopTippa to take its tipping contest online and offer both NRL and AFL fans the chance to win big prizes.

Fans will vie for their share of a total of $10,000 worth of prizes across the codes.

Weekly winners in the NRL and AFL competitions will receive a $50 gift card.

The great news is, even if you make a poor start, you have the chance to catch up throughout the season, thanks to bonus points for backing a winning underdog.

Maitland league legend and Bulldogs supporter Brian Burke said the bonus points feature was great as he could stick to his beloved Dogs and earn extra points.

Burke said competition for the title was always hot regardless of the format and he encouraged novice punters to have a go.

“Footy tipping is an enjoyable part of the NRL season,” Burke said.

“But it doesn’t matter where the ­competition is, the cleaner will probably win it.”

Under the new format if  you successfully pick a draw you earn 10 points and if you pick the card you get a five-point bonus.

As a bonus, you need never miss out on getting your tips in again. The TopTippa site is compatible with smartphones, ­laptops, PCs and tablets.

To enter, visit www.maitlandmercury.com.au/sport/tournaments/ or find our tournament link in the sport section of our website.

Once online with TopTippa, easy prompts will take you through the entry process.

The NRL competition kicks off on Thursday, March 3, when the Parramatta Eels host last year’s beaten grand finalists, the Brisbane Broncos.

The Newcastle Knights start their 2016 campaign away to the Gold Coast Titans on Saturday, March 6.