ONE of the great country rugby league events was held in Bombala over the weekend as hundreds of players took part in the first Bombala Junior Footy Carnival.

Traditionally, the event has been run as the Bibbenluke Carnival but for the first time was held in Bombala at the racecourse.

Close to 100 teams from the Monaro, Canberra region, Far South Coast and South Coast contested the carnival across ages from under sevens to under 16s.

A mammoth day on Saturday saw the Bombala racecourse turn into a footy haven as keen players started their season in style at the carnival.

The Bombala Blue Heelers Junior Rugby League Football Club staged the event, and thanked the many helpers, players, coaches and parents for making the event one of the biggest sporting occasions the town has seen.

"Thank you to everyone who attended our first Bombala Carnival. The amount of teams and spectators in attendance was huge (pictures cannot do it justice) and your support has been greatly appreciated," a club spokesperson said.

"Thank you to clubs for your assistance with scoring, reffing, first aid and tidy up of rubbish within your area.

"The committee worked tirelessly to ensure the day could successfully go ahead.

"It was great to see kids aged from under seven to under 16 playing the game we all love, across both tackle and league tag. Seeing the smile on their faces makes it all worth while."