The NRL is poised to backflip on a decision to scrap the under 20s competition in a move that will undo a year's worth of work on the game's pathway structure.

The governing body's former head of strategy, Shane Richardson, was tasked with producing a whole-of-game manifesto that included mapping out a course for participants from grassroots level to the Kangaroos.

Cup to survive: Robert Jennings of the Panthers is tackled during the 2015 under 20s Holden Cup grand final against Manly. Credit:Renee McKay

The ARLC had agreed in principle to approve a "Platinum League" as part of Richardson's plan to abolish the under 20s and carve up the second-tier competition into 11 NSW regions. Richardson returned to South Sydney before his proposal could be implemented and his grand plans have now been consigned to the scrapheap after a backlash from the majority of stakeholders.

The winding up of the Holden Cup was set to coincide with the end of the current broadcast deal in 2017. But negotiations are now under way to continue the under 20s in some form to ensure players aren't lost in the development void between SG Ball, the Intrust Super Cup and NRL competitions.