Group Nine will revert back to an under-16 and under-18 format next season, with the under-16s to remain as part of the senior competition after the motion was approved by a club vote on Wednesday night.
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The league reverted to an under-17 and under-19 system this year but a recommendation from the Country Rugby League they align themselves with other regions, plus projections on numbers expected for each age, has resulted in it being scrapped.
Clubs voted 7-3 in favour of the proposal and Group Nine operations manager Bob Hay said the change was about suiting the interests of the majority of benefactors.
"We decided to go back to 16s and 18s because we're looking at the numbers for 15s, and doing some projections on teams for next year," Hay said.
Hay said the 17-19 format had also had some impact on reserve grade numbers.
"A few clubs felt the 19s competition was actually affecting their reserve grade teams, and there's been quite a few forfeits this year," Hay said.
"There's different demographics with smaller towns and bigger towns, it's what suits the majority and looking at the bigger picture."
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