The region’s clubs could be the first in Australia to trial a revolutionary concept in a bid to boost participation in the 15-player code.The “Game On” concept was introduced in New Zealand as a means to increase the number of people playing the game and avoiding forfeits.It allows clubs to be more flexible on game day if a team does not have enough front-rowers or is unable to field 15 players.With the proposal green lit on Monday, it could pave the way for FNQ Rugby to boast two men’s competitions with as many as eight teams in each. And president Bradyn Boske said if it was available last year, the region could have hosted a full 15-per-side women’s grand final instead of the 10-player format it used throughout its inaugural season. MORE NEWSCairns Post to livestream NQ rep rugby clashes‘Act now’: Upgrades urged for FNQ to cash in on 2032 OlympicsKey supporter in Pride’s potential move to Jones ParkAFL Cairns to pounce on $8 million war chest “Both Mudcrabs and Wanderers had enough players for it, so we could have had a 15 per side grand final,” Boske said. “If a team has only 13 available, we can play 12 or 13-a-side instead forcing A-grade players to sit on the bench and play two games.“It’s to make we don’t see too many forfeits, and it encourages people to come down and play.”The new format would take considerable pressure off clubs in terms of recruitment, and allow for FNQ Rugby to bulk up both A- and reserve grade competitions.As many as eight clubs are vying for a place in A-grade, with Southside Crusaders returning to the field after sitting out 2020 and Penrhyn Sharks considering an A-grade comeback.The Sharks opted to field only a reserve grade side last year due to a lack of senior players, but they were far too strong for the competition and romped to the premiership.Boske said “Game On” could allow for all eight clubs to field teams in both grades, but six reserve grade sides was a more realistic target. Rugby season has arrived, with the FNQ representative teams to travel to Townsville this weekend for games against the Brolgas.The men’s Thunder team will play a second game against Mackay on Sunday afternoon.Four games will be shown live on the Cairns Post website on Saturday. Click here for more [email protected] follow Matthew McInerney



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