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By Neil Goffet, Newcastle Herald - Coast versus Coalfields is the new name, and there could be a whole new look to this year's Newcastle Rugby League trial match that splits the Hunter in half. Traditionally played as Newcastle versus Coalfields, the match has not been on the NRL calendar for the past five years.

But officials have decided to revive the often bruising encounter, which is a selection trial for the Newcastle representative side.

Some Knights players, who for the first time have been drafted into the local competition, could feature in the match.

Knights and NRL officials were still in discussions yesterday, but it is likely the seven Knights ranked outside the top 25 contracted players will be available for selection in the Newcastle representative team.

"As it stands, the Knights players are eligible to play until such time as they play in the NRL or the National Youth Competition," Country Rugby League regional manager for Newcastle Jamie O'Connor said.

"Even though they are contracted, they are still available for selection in the Newcastle team for the country championships."

Players from Lakes, South Newcastle, Western Suburbs, Nelson Bay and Central Charlestown will make up the Coast team, leaving those from Cessnock, Kurri Kurri, Maitland, Wyong and Macquarie to play for Coalfields.

Some in the Newcastle rugby league fraternity have argued against having Knights available for selection.

They say a Knights player could take the place of a local player then be called into the Knights squad soon after, leaving the locals with no hope of playing representative rugby league.

"That is something that we will probably look at, to be honest," O'Connor said. "The rules are set at the moment, and there is a process that has to be followed for any rule changes, but we are always prepared to listen to concerns.

"Players in the NRL system have always been available for NSW Residents teams in the past, but this is a bit different to that."

The Coast versus Coalfields game will be on Sunday, March 29, most likely at Belmont's Cahill Oval.

Two other trials one between Coast and Coalfields under-18 teams and another between sides from the second-tier Newcastle and Hunter Rugby League, will be played as curtain-raisers.