For many young players, this would be their first chance to run out onto the state-of-the-art facility that is Apex Oval and play on the same field NRL greats like Andrew Ryan and David Peachey started out on.

Attended by representatives from the NSW Primary School Sports Association (PSSA) rugby league convenor and the Western School Sports Association (SSA), the carnival would help kids discover their true rugby league potential as some progressed through to state representative teams.

The Western team (comprising students from Orana Heights Public School, and Buninyong Public School among others) had a challenge on their hands, particularly against the metropolitan teams where size may have been a factor in the latter's success.

On the first day, Western lost to Sydney West by a whopping 32 points (32-0), improved when playing Sydney North (22-6) and more so to Sydney South West (44-16).

Day two saw them lose 20-0 to North Coast but regained their strength against Polding, finishing 16-6, despite sustaining a few minor injuries along the way.

Western coach Andrew Hooper said despite their losses, the Western boys "dug deep" and played in what was a tough week.

"They showed a lot of commitment and I'm very proud of them," he said.

"We had a couple of training runs but it's been hard to get them all together when we've got kids four hours apart.

"The boys have really worked hard and improved in every game that we've had and I can't be more happy with the attitude they've displayed. They have put in a huge effort."

Hooper said halfback Pacey Stockton (Wallerawang Public School) really stood up and did a sensational job directing the team around the track, as well as playing very well himself.

Second-rowers Joshua Cannard (Mulyan Public School) and Joshua Piper (Bletchington Public School), as well as James 'Buster' Nelson (Buninyong) all playing exceptionally well.

On their losses, Hooper said the boys really "mashed it" against all the other sides, with the physical size of the opposing teams being the biggest difference.

"We just don't have the size a lot of the other sides have got and they're training two nights a week. They're playing five or six trials which, for our distance, we just can't do that. They have well-drilled teams while we're playing a lot on enthusiasm and our skill level as well," he said.

"But the boys have improved every game and I'm very proud of the efforts they've put in."

Carnival organiser Amanda Thorpe said the spectators and visiting teams were blown away by the main Apex ground and loved running out of the tunnel to a strong applause.

"It's all about introducing kids to these state-of-the-art facilities that makes organising something like this all the more worthwhile," she said.

The semi-final of the NSW Open Rugby League State Championships kicks off today at 9am with the finals to continue until after 1.30pm.

The state team will be announced at the conclusion of the championships.