Newcastle Rugby League chief executive officer Matt Harris has indicated the 2021 competition will increase to 18 rounds with a September 19 grand final, however, early plans don't have Wyong in the picture.
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Existing member clubs have been sent information about next season and also asked for expressions of interest across the grades, including the re-introduction of opens and a potential women's tackle division. Kick-off is slated for the weekend of April 10-11.
The global coronavirus pandemic caused several changes to this year's campaign, including a delayed start, reduced rounds, knockout semis, optional entry for clubs and amateur status in first grade.
Minor premiers Wyong, who fell one game short of this weekend's decider following a narrow 28-24 loss on Sunday, returned to Newcastle RL after the Central Coast competition was cancelled in July.
Staying put was already on the agenda for the Roos and isn't out of the question, but it has yet to be locked in.
Macquarie and Kurri Kurri, who didn't play in men's tier one this year, are set to rejoin Cessnock, Souths, Wests, Lakes, Central and Maitland in 2021.
Harris also said the previous player points sytem would remain in place for next season while the salary cap drops to $120,000.
* TICKETS to Sunday's grand final at Maitland Sportsground are available online at the Newcastle RL website.
They can also be purchased at the gate, but the venue has a maximum capacity of 2500 due to COVID-19 restrictions. Pre-sale tickets have sold out.
* NSW Women's Premiersip player of the year Hannah Southwell has been rested for the Sydney Roosters' last-round NRLW clash with fellow undefeated side the Brisbane Broncos.
Both clubs have already booked a spot in next weekend's decider, making this encounter at ANZ Stadium on Saturday virtually a dead rubber.
However, Mel Howard gets a chance at halfback for the Roosters, Brydie Parker and Bobbi Law team up in the centres while Yasmin Meakes slides to the second-row.
Jayme Fressard was named to wear the No.4 jersey for Brisbane despite an injury concern from last start.
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Josh Callinan
My name is Josh Callinan and I'm a sports journalist at the Newcastle Herald. I started with the newspaper in 2016 after a decade at the Maitland Mercury.
My name is Josh Callinan and I'm a sports journalist at the Newcastle Herald. I started with the newspaper in 2016 after a decade at the Maitland Mercury.
