The Wildfires may once again feature alongside the state's premier clubs as Newcastle and Hunter Rugby Union officials entertain the possibility of taking part in this year's Shute Shield.
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Two decades on from the Wildfires' last appearance in the prestigious competition, NHRU president Bill Clifton was in contact with Sydney Rugby Union on Friday and discussions are underway about potentially becoming the 12th team.
Penrith, who dropped out in 2018, are also in contention for that final spot to help avoid byes in what would be an abbreviated campaign from late July.
Competitions across the world, including Super Rugby, are on hold because of the global coronavirus pandemic.
Despite little detail being available, Clifton said NHRU were "interested" in returning to that stage and testing themselves against the likes of Randwick and Sydney University.
And while nothing is set in stone, Clifton said even having a slight chance to return was a reward for the "hard work put into the game across this region" and there could be long-term benefits.
"We just have to make sure we are well placed to start playing if the time comes," Clifton told the Newcastle Herald.
"If we do this well, it gives all the kids something to aspire to."
Newcastle's representative squad previously played in the Shute Shield between 1995 and 1999.
In the 21 years since, the Wildfires had predominately featured at the NSW Country Championships, including six straight Caldwell Cup titles from 2008 to 2013.
The senior side withdrew from last year's carnival and revamped their representative program for 2020, which had seen them play the Western Force and Illawarra before the COVID-19 outbreak.
A September tour of Argentina by the Wildfires was recently scrapped.
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