The NRL and its clubs are seeking to stage double-headers in Sydney from next season as part of the solution to the game's crowds crisis.

The average NRL crowd has fallen to 14,827 this season, the first time the average figure has dropped below 15,000 since 2004. The introduction of family unfriendly fixtures, such as the Thursday night and 6pm Friday games, has had an effect, although a range of other factors have also contributed.

It is hoped an injection of at least $1.6 billion into stadium infrastructure will help reverse the trend, although the NRL and clubs acknowledge they need to be more proactive to lure television viewers through the turnstiles.

One initiative being discussed is the staging of double-headers in Sydney. The concept has been used sparingly in the harbour city, most notably at the opening of the Olympic stadium and when Allianz Stadium hosted back-to-back finals matches in 2015. It has proven a success when staged annually in Brisbane, when the Broncos are one of the sides participating in a double-header at Suncorp Stadium.