For a game in the middle of a public relations snowstorm, Wednesday's Trent Barrett Shield in Griffith was a timely reminder of why fans call it the "greatest game of all".

It was competitive but fun, physical but not to the point of injury; and most of all, it got hundreds of kids' hearts racing.

Twenty-six teams from a swag of local schools attended the event at Jubilee Oval, with the girls playing Leaguetag and the boys modified rugby league.

Put on by the Australian Rugby League (ARL) in conjunction with Country Rugby League (CRL), the event was exclusively for pupils from years 3 and 4.

Of the 14 boys' teams and 12 girls' teams, the top two sides qualified for a grand final day in Wagga on September 8, to be played against schools from five other gala days held across the Riverina.

The local schools winning through to the finals were Griffith North (boys), Hanwood (boys), Griffith Public (girls) and Yenda Public (girls).

ARL national development officer Dean Whymark said the day was a chance to introduce the sports to a legion of new participants.

"It's giving them an opportunity to experience the game where they mightn't normally play on a weekend," Whymark said.

"It's great for the schools because both boys and girls can play and it's great for the health aspect, too."