Boots are laced and the socks knee-high. The earthy musk of sweat and Dencorub is in the air. The trusty Steeden tucked under the arm. Cut-out passes and crossfield bombs are the order of the day.

Welcome to NRL season 2010 - A time where, as Roy and HG would say, too much league is never enough.

NRL matches will kick off across the nation this weekend to thunderous applause.

An arguably greater level of excitement has come with the news that the Wingham Chronicle will again host its hugely successful footy tipping competition.

The major prize for this year will again be a double pass to the 2010 NRL grand final.

Entry to the competition is free and the rules simple. Fill in your entry form each week and return it to the Wingham Chronicle office in Isabella Street by 5pm Fridays. Tipsters can be of any age and are able to join in at any stage of the season.

However, there are no exemptions for late entries, and no photocopied entry forms will be accepted.

If you are skilled enough to score 100 per cent, you get one bonus point for the week.

The top 10 leading tipsters will be published in the Chronicle each week, as will the match results.

In addition to this, the Chronicle will also feature a series of Wingham Tigers Rugby League player profiles throughout the year. Players from first grade, reserves and under 18’s will all get their moment in the spotlight.

We will also feature a weekly celebrity tipster from participating businesses. Manning River Times sports journalist/tipping wizard Mick McDonald has volunteered to help kick the season off.

The 2010 tipping competition is the brainchild of Chronicle sales reps Lisa Thompson and Helen Knight. Lisa in particular loves her footy and is a mad Brisbane Broncos supporter.

“I’m the one in our family who demands the TV be switched over to the footy every Friday night,” she said.