The competition is back on the radar after new Football Federation Australia chief executive James Johnson stated the organisation will be seeking expressions of interest from potential franchises in the coming months.

A number of hurdles remain for the competition to become a reality, in particular financial concerns and the makeup of the league.

The Wolves, a club featuring Milton-Ulladulla Chris Price and Shoalhaven Heads' Brendan Low, are an early favourite for inclusion in a second division, the club boasting a proud history of success in the old National Soccer League.

Senior officials at the club were also informed after 2018's failed A-League expansion bid that the Wolves are a prime contender for a second-tier licence.

Wilkshire is cautiously optimistic the long-awaited national second division will soon become a reality and said the Wolves will be looking to feature in the competition.

"A national second division is very important in Australia," Wilkshire said.

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"The biggest question marks are over financials and what is possible, but with a new CEO coming in, he's made an immediate impact.

"He's looking to grow the game for the right reasons, which is a positive step forward.

"The Wolves have ambitions to be at the highest level and if that possibility of a second division is there, we'll pursue it.

"We think we deserve to be in the competition.

"We won the national title last year, which shows the level we're at.

"The club continues to grow and move forward.

"I believe the region deserves an A-League club, the club deserves it and the eventual goal is to have a professional team in the A-League.

"With promotion, relegation, this could be a way to get there."

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Wilkshire's comments come as his side prepares to take on NSW National Premier Leagues new boys North Shore Mariners on Sunday afternoon.

Wollongong will be without captain James Stojcevski for the clash at Albert Butler Park, the midfielder succumbing to a hamstring injury suffered last weekend.

The Mariners caused a shock in round one when they drew 1-1 with reigning champions APIA Leichhardt.

The Wolves enter the match on the back of a scratchy victory over Sydney Olympic and Wilkshire said his players know a repeat performance will not be acceptable on Sunday.

"We've got standards that we have as a group and the guys know we weren't up to our standards.

"As a player, you're the first to know, then they have me reminding them of that as well.

"We're well aware we can perform much better.

"But we talk about mental toughness and finding a way to win when you're not playing great football, that's a great trait to have.

"I'm confident we'll be much better this week.

"Last week was tough conditions, it was a tough away trip, but we've been working hard and we're ready to go again on Sunday."