Tomorrow will mark the second time the Tens for Ten Thousand carnival has run at the Gunnedah Rugby Club, and the extra dollars have started to turn some heads all over the state, including from a few Shute Shield clubs.

While they have expressed interest in coming next year, a full field of sixteen sides is expected, with Newcastle-based Southern Beaches returning to defend the crown they won in the inaugural tournament.

While the prize money hasn’t changed, the structuring has, with a winner-takes-all approach getting a good reaction and boost in entry numbers.

The club capped nominations at 16 this year and that didn’t take long to fill up, as four pools of four will battle it out for the $8000 first prize and $2000 runner-up cheque with no money for plate or shield winners.

The Red Devils went down in the final last season and will be joined by the Central North big three of Narrabri, Moree and Pirates, as well as Tamworth and Inverell as regional contenders.

Teams from the Dubbo Rhinos, Engadine Lions, Illawarra, Walgett and Coonamble make up the rest, with a few – including Gunnedah – putting in two sides.

Gunnedah co-coach and organiser Tim Walsh was excited about the response the tournament is getting from across the state.

“I knew the money would bring some Central North clubs out but was surprised at a few others,” Walsh said.

“It is good  –  we have some from way out west and from the coast.”

Walsh believes the extra additions and money will bring the standard of play up as well.

“Southern Beaches almost had it all to themselves last year but I don’t think that will be the case again,” Walsh said.

The games will be played over 10-minute halves.

“It will take 100 minutes of rugby to win the final and $8000.”

Not a bad way to start any season.

Gates open at 11am for 11.30am kick off, with the final at 7.30pm tomorrow night.