It’s a great chance to see some of the best up-and-coming talent from the region and beyond, with 12 games of football to experience.

Group 10 will be represented with an under 16s, 17s and 18s team over a busy day of action in Bathurst.

Western Regional Manager Peter Clarke said the competition has previously been used as selection trials for junior Western Rams sides but that’s no longer the case.

“It’s changed up a bit this year. It previously was a full-on Western Division trial fixture for our 16s and 18s,” he said.

“This gives a development opportunity to those who didn’t make the Rams side. It still gives them a chance to play a high level of football and represent their Group.”

Trials for the Rams junior academy started in October last year, with a similar time expected to be used this season.

Thanks to Western Division now holding such post-season academy selections, it takes a little bit of pressure off the shoulders for those Group 10 and 11 players taking part on Saturday – but they will still be out to impress.

The addition of an under 17s team to Saturday’s carnival will allow more Central West players than before to show what they’ve got.

Clarke said performances from Saturday’s carnival will still be taken into consideration for potential Western Rams representative spots but it’s no longer a do-or-die chance to impress.

“We can still use it as a chance to look at possible Western players for next season,” he said.

“There’s a lot of depth in the area. There will be plenty of guys playing on the weekend who didn’t play for Western Rams who were up to it. While there always could be NRL scouts there … It’s important that we develop our future country league first graders.

“16s and 18s are the key age groups where we want to keep players in the game.”

The under 18s competition will consist of six teams: Group 10 under 17s and 18s, Group 11 under 17s and 18s, Castlereigh/Barwon Darling and Woodbridge – the latter making their first appearance at the carnival outside of a support game.

Three under 16s teams will take part in a round-robin format competition – Group 14/Barwon Darling plus Group 10 and 11.

Clarke said the two Central West Groups should be considered the teams to beat across both competitions.

“I’d expect Group 10 and 11 to be the stronger teams. Castlereagh, Woodbridge and Barwon don’t quite have the same-sized player base to choose from,” Clarke said.

“It should still be very competitive.”

Play gets underway from 9.30am in the match between Group 10 under 17s and Woodbridge Under 18s.

The under 18s final will wrap up the day’s action at 4.25pm.