The A:Plus Contracting and Poly Welding Hunter Valley 9s will be held on Saturday, February 23.

Event spokesman Mick Campton said last year’s Nines tournament had exceeded expectations and this year promised to be bigger. 

The Cessnock Goannas are already among new starters at the 2019 event, with coach Todd Edwards confirming this week his club would be taking part.

Campton said the feedback from the seven clubs involved in the first tournament had been tremendous and it was likely they would all return to take part again.

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“We have a solid start to build on and I think a lot of the Newcastle RL clubs who didn’t take part last year will be keen to jump on board as well as clubs from further up the Valley and the Central Coast,” he said.

“We would like to expand to say a 12-team competition this year or even 16 teams, but you have to strike the balance of what the clubs get out of being involved.

“You’d like to see teams get a few games. It worked with the round-robin qualification last year rather than just a strict knock-out.

“The final format will depend on the response we get from teams wanting to be part of it. It’s a great opportunity for a hit-out and thanks to our sponsor A:Plus the winners get $5000 and runners up $1000.

“I know from our boys perspective last year the prize money was a great incentive and they got a lot from the hit out.

“Two nine-minute halves might not seem much but they were feeling it after backing up again.”

For entry details contact Campton on 0405 603 043.