Plans to revive rugby league in Otago include playing on
Sundays and targeting primary schools with a modified version
of the game.
New Zealand Rugby League chief executive Jim Doyle is in
Dunedin on Thursday to outline changes to the structure of
the organisation and plans for the future.
He will be presented with a proposal to breathe life back
into southern rugby league, which has been dormant in Otago
for the past two years.
There has been no organised competition in that time but John
Brimble, the chief executive of Sport Otago and a board
member of league's southern zone, is optimistic the sport can
be resuscitated.
"Interest in rugby league remains strong within Otago,"
Brimble said.
After being approached by Southland last year, Otago held
trials to select senior and under-20 teams and both had wins,
indicating some depth in the province.
Brimble said there were three clubs - Otago University, Kia
Toa and the Aotea Bulldogs - capable of re-forming.
A fourth club would be needed to form a viable competition.
Open trials could then be called to form two further teams,
under the auspices of the Otago Rugby League, to form a
six-club competition.
A regular round-robin competition would be held over 12
weeks, followed by a final, with games played on Sunday to
avoid clashes with other codes.
"Competition with other codes and work commitments on
Saturdays have drawn potential rugby league players away in
the past.
"A return to Sunday would likely attract greater support,
both in terms of player base and public involvement, and it
would make ground availability easier."
An under-18 competition was a possibility, while there was
also an opportunity to target primary schools with a modified
form of league.
An interschool competition at primary level could lead to
increased participation and a possible secondary school
competition.
It is proposed that the Otago Rugby League be reconstituted
with a new management committee, with day-to-day operations
in the hands of Otago Touch.
Brimble said Sport Otago had been involved behind the scenes
but would not be directly involved in running rugby league if
it was revived.
The proposal has to be approved by the southern zone board
before it can go to the NZRL for sanctioning.
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