Importantly the recommendation took into consideration the need to recognise the various levels of development required to achieve such a goal and therefore ensured that there was no mandate to alter the current entity structures or boundaries.

The NTL entities which are Regions, Permits or States play a pivotal role at various levels within our strong pathway. The Elite 8 has been designed to compliment these structures and add a new pathway for the elite participant and therefore the progression of our game.

The Elite 8 is designed to bring the best players from across Australia into a new format which will take the sport forward. Worth noting is that the original NTL model designed in the early 90’s had a similar premise. Over time and debate this became what we now know as the NTL.

The Elite 8 will see a revised format of eight teams (four NSW, three QLD and one rest of Australia) compete in a high level structure at the NTL in March. There is no alteration requirement to any structure under the Elite 8.

TFA has subsequently liaised with the NSWTA, QTA and all other States to form the basis of the structure. This has been a cooperative and collaborative process whereby feedback has been taken on board throughout.

To read more about the Elite 8, please click on the attached document.