The prestigious schoolboy competition gets underway on Wednesday afternoon with just five schools to take part in the new-look format.

The Riverina Anglican College (TRAC) have pulled out of this year's competition, that will see six shortened games played on Wednesday evening to get the series underway.

Wagga High School will be one of two schools to play in three of those games, continuously backing up in each timeslot in a brutal start to their campaign.

Wagga High coach Josh Harris believes his team is simply happy to be playing footy.

"Our preparation has been pretty good. We started training back in January and then obviously had a big break. The boys know it's going to be a challenge (Wednesday) night, having three games against three different opponents but are keen for some footy if anything," Harris said.

"Obviously not having a crowd there is going to be a bit of a change too. That's all been part of the appeal of the competition but I think our guys are looking forward to playing some schoolboy footy because it's some of the best footy they'll ever play."

Ben Cronin will lead the Wagga High team, who will look to he and the likes of Khaileb Cameron-Pani to guide the younger players around the ground.

Wagga High certainly aren't content with making up the numbers.

"Obviously we're aspiring to get that number one position. We didn't win the Hardy Shield last year but won the two previous years before that we're so trying to get back on top," Harris said.

"I'd say a definite goal of ours is to come away with two out of three wins (Wednesday) night with a lot to learn the next week against Kildare, which is probably our biggest rival."

Games are played at 4.30pm, 5.20pm and 6.10pm at Paramore Park. No spectators are allowed to attend games.

Wagga High: 1. Jonty Ellis, 2. Damon Hurst, 3. Khaileb Cameron-Pani, 4. Chris Bassett, 5. Robert Grantham, 6. Sam Trood, 7. Jake Learoyd, 8. Aaron Mead, 9. Ethan Pascoe, 10. Toby Parr, 11. Tyler Edwards, 12. Jack Hartley, 13. Ben Cronin (c); Interchange: 14. Bailey Bennett, 16. Josh Angel, 17. Zac Nimmo, 18. Clarence Machiridza, 19. Levi Williams.

OPENING NIGHT

4.30pm: Kildare v Mater Dei; Mt Austin v Wagga High

5.20pm: Mt Austin v Kooringal; Mater Dei v Wagga High

6.10pm: Kildare v Mt Austin; Wagga High v Kooringal

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