The Cooranbong pair will compete in the OAK Australian Wife Carrying Titles, at Singleton Show, in September.

If they can wrest the national title, the local couple will have the opportunity to represent Australia at the world titles in the home of wife carrying, Finland.

The event challenges men to carry women (it can be their wife, girlfriend, sister or friend) across an obstacle course that includes sand, water and fences. The team with the fastest time through the obstacle course wins.

Morisset Lake Macquarie Agricultural Show spokesman Justin Rumore said the wife carrying event had gained a strong following in just its second year at the show.

“The wife carrying was a crowd pleaser with seven teams in full flight,” Mr Rumore said.

“Winners Adam Cullen and Tylee Robinson had trained hard for the event, but the team of Melissa Melton and boyfriend Mat Dall'Orto looked like taking the crown but at the last jump fell just 2 metres from the finish line.”

He said judges were so impressed with the couple’s run that they may be granted a wild card entry into the national titles. 

On Friday, the show got off to a great start when more than 400 dogs were entered in the dog show, Mr Rumore said.

“A lot of people were happy to be back at Morisset after  two years away due to upgrades of the grounds. And they were happy with the five new dog rings,” he said. 

Rain on Thursday forced the cancellation of the show jumping on Friday.

“But Saturday and Sunday was hot and sunny and the crowed were thrilled by the RAMPT Mini FMX team, the wood chopping, pet show and wife carrying,” he said.

Hannah Greenshields, of Wyong Creek, was named Morisset Show Girl. Sarah Gattera, of Morisset, was runner-up.