Group Nine clubs will have the opportunity to vote for a number of changes at next month’s Annual General Meeting (AGM).
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Nine of the 10 Group Nine clubs met on Tuesday night to discuss a number of hot topics, including season length, finals formats and the future of the under 16 Sullivan Cup.
Group Nine president Jack Morton revealed no decisions were made at the meeting but a number of motions will be put to clubs at the AGM on November 11.
He said there certainly was a feeling among clubs that it was time for change.
“The clubs will get to vote so we’ll see what happens,” Morton said.
“I think people realise if we keep doing the same thing then we’ll end up in the same spot.
“The clubs certainly seem open to change. There’s always the option to change back if it doesn’t work.”
Among the changes up for vote will be a move to an 18-round competition, instead of the current 16-round format.
“There was a lot of talk about an 18-round comp instead of 16. I’m not sure of it to be honest,” Morton said.
“They see 18 rounds as a fair draw because you play everyone home and away. The longer season is going to cost more for the clubs with paying players for two extra games. It also puts a lot more pressure on clubs that are struggling towards the end of the season.”
Morton said there is also a move to change the lower grade age groups.
Group Nine currently boast the under 16 Sullivan Cup and under 18 Weissel Cup competitions.
There will be a vote on changing the competitions to under 17 and 19s.
“There was talk of whether we play 17s and 19s instead of 16s and 18s. Do we put 16s back to juniors or wait for another year?” Morton said.
“Group Eight have apparently gone to 17s and 19s. The clubs are seeing that a lot of kids from 18s drop out and don’t go and play reserve grade.”
Clubs will also vote on the finals format and whether Group Nine sticks with this year’s top four system, or reverts back to a top five.
Morton, a fan of the top four, conceded there is a push to go back to a top five.
“It was good to discuss the issues and see what everyone was thinking and what they think will help the whole picture as far as the future goes,” he said.
Cootamundra was the only club not present at the meeting.
The 10 clubs, as well as junior rugby league and referees, will vote on the motions at the AGM.
The meeting will take place at Wagga RSL Club at 10am on Sunday, November 11.
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