The Hunter Cup is fast becoming one of the toughest hockey competitions in the region, with nominations for the innaugural event coming from 4 different associations so far.

Newcastle will be well represented, with the reigning Hunter Coast Premier Hockey League champions South Newcastle amongst the first to sign up, along with Norths, Maitland and Wests.

The Manning Valley has dissapointed a little, with Mid North Coast Premier League and Manning A grade champions Taree Tigers declining to participate, but thier opponents in both finals in 2009, Chatham, look set to participate.

These local clubs will be joined by 2 of Sydneys biggest, with Ryde Hunters Hill and Glebe both agreeing to participate in this event. Both clubs will be bringing near full strength squads and will add some quality and differing styles of play to the competition.

Tamworth side Kiwis have indicated a willingness to compete and should be worthy opponents and bring a different blend of country hockey to the competition.

Competition organiser Scott Rainbow was excitted by the number of nominations but indicated a number of high profile clubs were yet to nominate, and had until Friday February 5th to get those in.

The competition is currently set down for Taree and Maitland, but a review of the teams nominated after Friday could see venue changes and a change to the format. "It all depends on the number of teams and where they come from. Obviously we dont want teams from Sydney having to travel to Taree for a day, and if there is only 1 Taree side it makes sense for those guys to travel down to Newcastle rather then sending 5 teams up the highway" said Scott.