In a non-competitive gala day, more than 30 primary school teams from across the Hastings - including Port Macquarie, Wauchope, Kendall, Telegraph Point and Beechwood - had a taste of footy.

National Rugby League game development officer Pat Preston said while for some of them it was their first taste, others were trying to refine their skills.

"We had a tackle pool, a tag pool and a development pool as well so there was something for everyone," Preston said.

"We started it about two or three years ago and it's a really good outcome because all the kids are learning together.

"It was about trying the sport in a non-competitive environment and giving as many kids an opportunity as we could."

Former and current players refereed a handful of games while they also coached on the run.

"Our referees were coaching some of the kids at the same time and they all left with a smile on their face," Preston said.

While some teams originally thought they were playing netball, by the end of the day they had learned the basics.

Preston said everyone started somewhere.

"That's what it's about because we hope they might consider joining up for weekend footy."