The neighbouring schools were the stand out teams of the tournament which pitted schools representing the eight Newcastle Rugby League clubs, Port Stephens Sharks and Newcastle Rebels against each other.

St Paul’s represented the Maitland Pickers after winning the local qualifying series and Telarah earned their spot as the wildcard Newcastle Rebels’ entrant as the best second-placed team from local qualifiers.

St Paul’s were undefeated in the Pool B qualifying series against Telarah and schools representing Cessnock Goannas (St Patrick’s Primary School, Cesssnock), Lakes United and South Newcastle.

Telarah qualified second for the semi-finals only losing to St Paul’s who won their pool game 10-0. St Patricks representing Cessnock was equal third, with one win and a draw.

Pelaw Main Public School, represented Kurri Kurri Bulldogs in Pool A, but failed to win a game against stiff opposition.

In the semi-finals St Paul’s defeated Port Stephens representative St Michael Primary School, Nelson Bay, 14-6 and Telarah and a 18-4 win against Western Suburbs’s representative team Edgeworth Public School.

St Paul’s principal Douglas Garnett said it was fantastic for the two neighbouring schools to play off in the such a quality final.

Garnett thanked Roland Whitby for his tireless efforts as head coach of rugby league at St Paul’s this year.