The Knockout incorporates teams from Newcastle to Scone.

Branxton’s Under 10 side topped their half of the draw with three out of four matches going their way at the qualifiers earlier this month.

Coach Tom Foster said his comparatively small players gave it their all to overcome teams of much larger players.

“They’re very tough, very determined,” Mr Foster said.

“They were tackling kids twice their size. They’ve got a big heart, and spirit too.”

But Foster said it was the semi-final against Metford in which his team showed what they were really capable of.

“They gave 100 per cent through the whole team,” he said.

“Sam [Hamilton] and Joel [Stafford] are among our smallest players.

They were out on the right edge – wing and centre – and tackled bigger players.

“Nothing got through them.”

He also made special mention of try-scorers Jayden West and Keenan Gillan who put Branxton over Metford two tries to zero.

Branxton Public School will now face Upper Hunter rivals Denman in the grand final at Hunter Stadium on July 19.

Speaking diplomatically, Mr Foster said he put their chances of victory at 50-50.

But they’re leaving nothing to chance with grueling preparations already underway.

“We’ve been playing the years five and six team at school,” Mr Foster said.

“[We have] an outstanding team.”

The winner of the grand final will represent Newcastle and the Hunter Region at the State carnival.

The Knockout is a round robin style tournament that provides an opportunity for students to gain a taste of playing rugby league in a safe and controlled environment.

Newcastle Knights reserve grade coach Matt Lantry said the competition brings together kids who regularly play on the weekend and those who may be trying the game for the first time

“It’s great schools support it as it provides an opportunity for kids of all walks of life, both boys and girls to play," he said.

The Knockout began with the inception of the Newcastle Knights club in 1988.