THEY'RE ready to defend home turf and the Wagga Vipers believe they're capable of taking home some silverware when the city hosts the Junior State Southern Conference at Jubilee Park from Friday.
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Around 250 local youngsters will compete in divisions from under-eights to under-18s in the three-day event, which is in the second year of a three year contract to be played in Wagga.
"It's good because you don't have to travel, you know the places and the grounds," Vipers under-16s player Halle Watson said.
"A lot of people have joined Wagga Touch and giving it a go because of how big it (carnival) is, and the success it's been in the town.
"We've gone well in previous years and got in the finals, and hopefully this year we get there again."
Under-10s player Blair Walsh is aiming high, declaring they can "win the whole tournament" in his first appearance at the carnival with the Vipers.
Wagga Touch Association president Darrin Walsh said they are entering this year's carnival with much more confidence after their first hosting effort last year.
"We learned a lot last year and we have procedures in place now and know what we're in for, we're not as nervous as last year," Walsh said.
"Especially with the NRL touch now being on TV, the kids see it as a pathway now, it used to be just a park sport.
"We've got over 250 local kids representing Wagga which is great and seeing how excited they all are."
Former NSW Origin rugby league star Jamie Soward and current Australian touch representative Rhiannon Podmore will be at the carnival to mentor the Vipers players.
Around 220 teams are expected with pool matches beginning on Friday morning, before finals take place on Sunday.
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