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.
