Rugby league district representatives meet in Auckland today to hear an outline of a new competitions structure from junior representative level to Bartercard Cup.
Change is forecast throughout. The New Zealand Rugby League has been silent on all issues but the nature of negotiations leads many to believethe Bartercard Cup will be scrapped.
Auckland clubs have long scorned the cup for undermining their base. Fox Memorial games at clubs draw far bigger crowds than Bartercard games at big stadiums. Mismatches and the regularity with which Mt Albert leads with Canterbury, Harbour and perhaps one other side challenging each year is another problem. Word has it the league has listened and is looking at an elite clubs competition in districts, with top club inter-district competition at the end of the season.
The current NJC competition for under-16s and under-18s will be revamped. There has been concern the competition, which starts early in the year, is over too early with nothing left for up-and-coming youngsters other than Bartercard, encouraging many to go to rugby at first XV level. The league wants to hold those teens.
The NZRL is also planning a Kiwis trial before the World Cup.
Details of the changes are to be laid out by NZRL chairman Andrew Chalmers and manager Peter Cordtz.
