Traditional outfits North Newcastle and South Newcastle will go head-to-head in the A-grade competition after gradings for 2017 were officially unveiled on Tuesday.

It will pit the foundation teams, who were part of the original Newcastle Rugby League competition in 1910, against each other for the first time in almost three decades.

Norths, also known as the Bluebags, have basically been defunct since merging with Nelson Bay in 1989 but have recently reformed with inaugural Knights skipper and Kiwi international Sam Stewart on the books. 

Souths, who normally play exclusively in the top flight district competition, will be one of three clubs featuring in second division after open grade, or thirds, was replaced by ladies league tag on match day for this season.   

Souths will also be joined by fellow district clubs Macquarie and Maitland, who have both entered B-grade.  

There are 42 sides from A to D grade and another 14 in ladies league tag.

Some of the new or revived entities include Aberglasslyn, Kearsley, Maitland United and Morpeth. 

Round one is scheduled to start on March 31. The draw has yet to be finalised.

Last month A-grade outfit Shortland announced the signing of two-time NRL top-try scorer Nathan Merritt.

A-GRADE: Cardiff, Fingal Bay, Maitland United, Mallabula, North Newcastle, Shortland, South Newcastle, Swansea, Tea Gardens, Umina.

B-GRADE: Belmont South, Carrington, Dora Creek, Dudley, Macquarie, Maitland, Morpeth, University, West Wallsend, Windale.

C-GRADE: Abermain, Clarence Town, Dungog, Gloucester, Hinton, Karuah, Kearsley, Paterson River, Stockton, Stroud, Wallsend, Waratah Mayfield.

D-GRADE: Cardiff reserves; East Maitland, Glendale, Hexham, Kotara, Maitland United reserves, Raymond Terrace, Singleton, Swansea reserves, Woodberry.

LADIES LEAGUE TAG: Aberglasslyn, Cardiff, Carrington, Dora Creek, Maitland United, Mallabula, Morriset, Raymond Terrace, Shortland, Swansea, Tea Gardens, Umina, Waratah Mayfield, West Wallsend.