Brian Cody insists it would benefit Leinster hurling in general to have six counties in the provincial championship.
The Kilkenny boss is urging GAA chiefs to look at the bigger picture by giving the likes of Laois and Carlow more exposure to top-level hurling.
Those two counties swap places in the Leinster round-robin series in 2020, with All-Ireland quarter-finalists Laois replacing Carlow.
Cody believes both deserve to participate.
"I would've thought it before this year, before Laois made everybody realise the quality that they have," said Cody.
"Carlow were up for it in the Leinster championship and being put down straight away can’t be helpful for their progress.
What would really stand to them is to be there again next year.
"Then Laois obviously come along and win the McDonagh. I’m very acutely aware of the potential that has been in Laois - if you could get their best players out there, which obviously has been happening now. The hurling they play is outstanding.
"They’re in the Leinster championship next year but Carlow aren't, that’s a shame because Carlow played some terrific hurling this year too.
"What’s the big gain by not having Carlow there?".
Momentum is building towards such a move, with GAA president John Horan admitting it would be looked at following Laois' success.
“The bigger picture has to be looked at and that’s happening right now with a major review of the fixtures going on anyway," reasoned Cody.
"All that you can take into consideration with the masterplan that's being spoken about. As things stand, certainly it would be only good.
"Should we do everything possible to promote hurling in the counties that are serious about hurling? Of course we should."
Cody praised the job done by Laois boss Eddie Brennan, who won eight All-Irelands under Cody.
"Obviously, Eddie's the manager and it wouldn’t happen if he wasn’t doing a good job," he said.
"There’s huge passion for hurling in Laois and Eddie was clever the way he did it. He didn’t come in and start trying to preach.
"He gave players the opportunity to play the way they are able to play."
With Kilkenny preparing to face Limerick next weekend, Cody confirmed that Adrian Mullen missed the under-20s Leinster final win over Wexford with a slight grade one quad injury but that he will be fit for the All-Ireland semi-final.
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