The competition will see athletes contest both individual and team events in a bid to earn points for their branch, with the top-scoring zone claiming the state title.

The event is a true test of branch depth, with athletes ranging from under 12s to opens in each squad.

Sydney Northern Beaches enter the competition as defending champions and are expected to vie for victory.

The locals will be well-represented, with 17 Bulli athletes turning out for the Illawarra team. That squad will be led by Bulli pair Zara Sharman and Beau Wheeler, while Lucas Ottoway is also expected to challenge for an individual victory.

The South Coast branch is also filled with Illawarra youngsters, with Warilla-Barrack Point dominating the squad. In a sign of the club's junior pathways, 31 of the 40 South Coast athletes are from the organisation.

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