Rugby league in the Bay of Plenty is predicted to develop following the announcement of a revamped regional tournament next year.

New Zealand Rugby League has revealed the Coastline and Bay of Plenty districts will combine their competitions for next season, with the aim of improving the standard of the game at youth and senior levels.

An Otumoetai Eels player on the charge during this year's Waikato/Coastline premiers competition. Photo: Supplied.

The new set-up is the result of the Waikato/Coastline structure being scrapped due to Waikato clubs opting out of the NZRL's proposed wider competition.

Instead, the men's premier competition in the Bay next season will feature six teams - Pikiao, Ngongotaha, Pacific and Taupo (all from the Bay of Plenty District) plus Otumoetai and Putuaki (both Coastline).

Each team will also field a reserve side, who will play in an earlier match at the same venue.

Ngongotaha is the only exception and will have local club Central Lions playing as their reserve team in 2015.

A division one grade has also been created, including eight teams - Papamoa, Tauranga, Te Puke, Reporoa, Tauhara, Mangakino, Putaruru and Forestland (Tokoroa).

An under-15 and under-17 competition will also be in place combining both districts, while the under-13 and under-14 age group will remain the same.

The decision means Otumoetai Eels return to the competition, and no longer have to regularly trek across the Kaimai Range after two years in the Waikato/Coastline version.

Coastline District Rugby League chairman Stan Nicholas says the revamp is beneficial for the region, with both districts sharing a strong focus on youth and growing the game.

He says both the Coastline and Bay of Plenty boards accepted the proposals, believing it presents the best opportunities for teams, players and clubs moving forward.

'Ultimately, it would have been good to have Waikato on board with us,” says Stan. 'But they have their reasons, and there were a few little things they weren't happy with.

'It's a chance to develop all levels of talent in the regions.

Stan, the former Otumoetai Eels chairman and founding member, says the two boards weren't keen on budging from the NZRL proposal given Waikato's reluctance to work with the lower grades.

NZRL had been working with Waikato clubs to create an even wider competition, but Waikato had decided not to come on board.

'Plus the Waikato youth grades only play on Friday nights and they weren't willing to compromise to play on Sunday,” adds Stan. 'Whereas Bay of Plenty and Coastline clubs already play on Sundays.

NZRL is leaving to door open to revisit the wider competition at the end of the season, allowing room for Waikato clubs if needed.

Upper Central Zone Rugby League general manager Sash Stosic is extremely excited about the future within these two districts.

'Upper Central Zone are committing to helping Coastline and Bay of Plenty clubs continue to grow and prosper,” says Sash.

'We're looking forward to being able to provide even greater support for clubs next year through the revised club competition.”

The 2015 season will run from April to August.