Newcastle and Hunter Rugby Union (NHRU) president Bill Clifton has confirmed that the Wildfires' return to an abbreviated 2020 Sydney Shute Shield competition would be restricted to first grade and under-20s.
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The NHRU have been in discussions with Sydney Rugby Union (SRU) about the region's inclusion in a 12-team competition flagged to start on July 25 and conclude in November.
A national cabinet meeting on Friday will outline a return to community sport which has been suspended due to the COVID-19 pandemic.
Clifton is awaiting more detail from the SRU, which he expects will be forthcoming after the cabinet meeting.
The NHRU will hold a hook-up with local club presidents early next week to discuss what the local competition may look like as well as gauge support on a return to Sydney.
It's hoped that the government will give the green light for team training to begin in June, with the start of competition sport in July, initially without crowds. A July kick off would provide the scope for the NHRU to play a full round plus finals.
"There will be some government announcements on Friday around the return to community sport," Clifton said. "Once we have more certainty, we will have a hook-up with all the presidents and ask for their ideas and for an indication if they would play modified competitions this year.
"The big thing will be crowds. We have been speaking to clubs and there are concerns about playing without crowds, where the clubs will have all the costs and none of the income.
"Working out what rugby in the Hunter will look like is the priority but we also want to talk to them about the opportunity to play in the Shute Shield.
"It is not a fait accompli that we will be entering but it is something we have to have a look at. The board made a commitment to build and grow the game and give everyone an opportunity. Even in this adverse time, we want to do that. But we are only interested if we get the support of the clubs."
Clifton said the proposal had brought a mixed response.
"A lot of players are extremely keen for it," he said. "Coach Scott Coleman has canvassed a number of players and they want to test themselves at the next level. The clubs are more cautious and considered, waiting to see what details are on the table."
The Wildfires competed in the Shute Shield from 1995-99, supplying teams in first grade, second grade, colts and under-19s. Again there is concern about player drain.
Five-time consecutive premiers Hamilton would be among the most affected. Coleman is also at the helm of the Wildfires and the Hawks supplied seven of the squad which beat Illawarra 22-15 in March.
"We would only enter first grade men and colts," Clifton said. "It is part of the Hunter representative program for this year. It is a chance to test the water. We wouldn't commit to next year at this stage. Bubba would select a first grade squad of 23 for each game. Those not selected would play for their clubs."
Newcastle players currently in Sydney may also be lured home to play for the Wildfires.
Penrith are the other region in talks with SRU and Clifton didn't rule out a joint venture, with Penrith filling the lower grades.
"I have held preliminary discussions with Penrith," he said. "They obviously want to fill the whole role but they know they need a plan B and we might be that. There is a willingness to work together."
