League: NZRL competition revamped

Northern Swords' Sepeti Tatau playing against the Canterbury Bulls during the 2015 NZRL Premiership. Photo / Tania Whyte

The Northern Swords premier side could benefit from a restructured domestic competition this year, with New Zealand Rugby League introducing a three-tier format for the country's districts to contest.

Looking to put the focus back on district representation, NZRL's relaunched national competition sees the Northern Swords battle it out in a regional championship tier with an eye to making the second tier (NZRL Championship) where they can contend for promotion into the top tier - the NZRL Premiership.

The top four zones in New Zealand; Counties Manakau, Auckland, Wellington and Canterbury, will play for top honours in the NZRL Premiership, with the bottom side facing relegation.

"The reason behind it was some zones weren't on the same level as others," Rugby league Northland general manager Duane Fyfe said.

"There was big blow-out scores which didn't do either team any good."

Pooled with Bay of Plenty, Waikato, and Coastlines, the Swords will face assimilated competition in the Northern zone, but will need to finish on top to qualify for the next phase.

"While much of our junior talent has already committed to a professional pathway through the NRL, it's important that we continue providing career pathways for NZ-based players, coaches and match officials," NZRL high performance general manager Brent Gemmell said.

The Swords will open their campaign against Bay of Plenty.