The NRL will scrap current under-20s competition and create two new state based leagues

THE NRL’s under-20s competition will be axed as part of a $16 million overhaul designed to provide a new pathway program for elite NRL players.

Dave Trodden, Brian Canavan and Laurie Daley announcing the new pathways program for Rugby League players. Pic Stephen Cooper

THE NRL’s under-20s competition will be axed as part of a $16 million overhaul designed to provide a new pathway program for elite NRL players.

The NRL on Thursday announced a new structure, approved by the Australian Rugby League Commission, that will see the once-vaunted National Youth Competition scrapped for 2018.

Under the decentralisation plan, two under-20s competitions will be created in Queensland and NSW to support the existing second-tier leagues in those states.

The under-20s competition has become a huge financial burden for NRL clubs, who each spend an average $1 million annually cultivating the next wave of first-grade talent.

NRL data showed just 10 per cent of under-20s players _ an average of two rookies per club _ were graduating to play NRL.

But under the NRL’s new structure, clubs will save a collective $10 million in a move that has the support of Australian coach Mal Meninga and Origin mentors Kevin Walters (Queensland) and Laurie Daley (NSW).

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Dave Trodden, Brian Canavan and Laurie Daley announcing the new pathways program for Rugby League players. Pic Stephen Cooper

NRL head of football Brian Canavan said the NYC has become costly to run and has been identified as putting undue pressure on young players coming through the ranks.

“The new model is designed to provide a clearer pathway for elite junior players aiming to play in the NRL,” Canavan said.

“We have been concerned for some time about the welfare issues affecting many young players struggling to cope with the pressures of the NYC.

“This model will enable more juniors to stay at home, rather than having to move away from their families, to play rugby league.

“And it will enable us to expand the game into regional and neighbouring overseas countries which we envisage will become part of the new state-based competitions.

“It will also result in significant savings for clubs as they reduce their NYC costs and invest in the State League competitions instead.”

Kangaroos coach Mal Meninga said the new structure is a major step forward for the game.

“Players coming through the ranks will now have a clear, dedicated pathway to the NRL and representative football,” Meninga said.

“The new model will not only help to expand the game both in Australia and overseas but it will provide better protection for young players at risk of developing welfare issues and being forced out of the game.

Panthers youngster Nathan Cleary is a product of the current under-20s system. Picture: Gregg Porteous

“So I can see the revised structure leading to better quality football on the field and a better support system for our young players off the field.”

The NRL is working with the RLPA to increase the number of players that clubs can include in their fulltime squad. Those who fail to make the final NRL squad will return to play in the state leagues.

Canavan said the new model would encourage clubs to develop junior players from their affiliated state team — rather than simply poaching them from other areas.

“The states will continue to operate their traditional junior competitions and state-based under-20s competitions,” Canavan said.

“Players from New Zealand and country regions will be able to stay in the game without having to leave home.

“We believe this is the best way to expand the game in the short term — and create a sustainable competition structure for the long term.”

Originally published as The NRL will scrap current under-20s competition and create two new state based leagues