Griffith's withdrawal means just four associations - holders Albury, Wagga, CAW Hume and CAW District - will take part in a new round-robin style format.

Koetz, also a Cricket Wagga Wagga board member, said social change has made it tougher for players to commit to Sunday representative cricket after playing for their clubs on Saturday.

He added the financial burden for cup holders hosting challengers, plus the fact the competition was hampered by four forfeits last year, forced their hand.

"There's been a lot of noise made by the smaller associations that we keep the traditional O'Farrell Cup format, but in reality if you ask all the Wagga or Albury players that have been in the situation of defending the cup for eight or ten weeks, it's too much of a drain," he said.

"We struggle to field the same team every week and it costs on average about $700 or $800 to run it by the time you pay for umpires, curators, two balls and lunches.

"It's an expensive exercise and it's all well and good for the smaller organisations to say we love the challenge format, but for bigger centres it's a financial burden.

"These suggestions went out nearly two months ago and the last week there's been blow-ups, but they made no comment prior."

Koetz said organisers would sit down at the end of the season to discuss the make-up of the representative schedule in the future.

"We'll be more than happy to look at options going forward but I think the challenge format is pretty much put to bed," he said.

"It's been running for over 100 years now and you don't want that to suddenly stop.

"It's been through three major rule changes in its life, so it's not as if it's never been touched. We're just trying to bring it into a more modern day format that works better for modern players.

"Smaller associations might be able to put a strong team on the paddock for a one-off game, but getting those players back for three or four weeks at a time becomes a real challenge."

READ MORE