Reports of the death of the National Youth Competition have been greatly exaggerated, with the under-20s competition certain to go ahead in 2017.

The Holden Cup as we know it remains on borrowed time, likely to be wound up as part of a pathways overhaul.

Still going strong: The NYC competition will continue in 2017. Credit:Matt King

There was a push from some quarters to bring it to a close at the end of the current season, due to the high running costs and questions over whether it was serving its purpose as a finishing school for prospective NRL players.

Former NRL executive Shane Richardson had planned to usher in a Platinum League, a plan to carve up the NSW second-tier competition into 11 regions, which also pointed towards an early end to the under-20s. NRL clubs were told they could save about $1 million each under the proposal.