The NRL is exploring the possibility of bringing back the club-based Nines competition, with the abbreviated version of the game a strong chance of being added to the calendar as soon as next year.

The Nines were held in Auckland for four years from 2014, although the fixture was taken off the schedule due to player workload concerns revolving around the last Rugby League World Cup. When the event wasn’t reintroduced into the calendar for this season, it appeared to signal the demise of the Nines as a club competition.

The Roosters won the Nines in 2017, the last time the competition was held. Credit:NRL Photos

However, the Herald can reveal the Nines is very much back on the governing body’s agenda, with work currently being undertaken to determine if it is financially viable to stage again. The NRL has begun discussions with several state governments which are interested in hosting the event. If those discussions prove fruitful, there is every chance the NRL Nines could be back for 2020.

“The broadcasters, the fans and players are all keen to see the Nines return,” an NRL spokesman said.