The Bulldogs were one of two clubs who elected to sit out this year due to coronavirus concerns, while Albury were later withdrawn due to concerns over border restrictions.

However while Temora are looking to regroup, with a new committee in place and Josh McCrone linking with the club, there are doubts over Cootamundra's future.

Especially their first grade outfit.

Club officials held crisis discussions last month with the Group Nine board, and are yet to submit a formal proposal, but were looking at options to only field under 18s, leaguetag and reserve grade teams

Group Nine chairman Peter McDermott is a supporter of the idea to ensure their survival.

"It would have to go to the board for a vote but personally I wouldn't kick them out," McDermott said.

"I would leave them in.

"It would mean having a (first grade) bye but if they miss another year it would be the end of them. They would never come back.

"That's just my opinion and we are still waiting to see if they were going to write a letter as they were going to go back hoping to find out more about the abattoirs and when it would open as if it opens shortly they could have a huge influx."

A lack of playing numbers is the biggest concern with fears of fielding another uncompetitive team after winning only one game in 2019.

However they appear unwilling to change competitions despite NSW Rugby League signaling the potential for boundary changes across the board.

It comes after Group 10 and Group 11 voted to combine their competitions for the 2022 season over the weekend.

There have been no discussions of change to the boundaries in Group Nine and Group 20 however McDermott believes it will happen eventually.

"No one has really said much yet but the long term thinking is that is probably the way it is going to go," he said.

"It will be interesting to see how Group 20 go next season but my personal view is that is probably how it is going to end up.

"It obviously wouldn't happen next year as there is a fair bit of planning involved with boundaries and who is going to stay in or stay out but I think that is the way it is going to have to go.

"You would probably have a tiered system where if you can only field one senior team you would have to drop back and if you could field everything you go up but it will be interesting to see how Group 10 and 11 are doing it."

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