NRL schedule must be cut back to 22 rounds, says Johnathan Thurston

JOHNATHAN Thurston has taken aim at the NRL schedule, demanding major reforms, including a cut to the number of rounds in the premiership competition.

SYDNEY, AUSTRALIA - FEBRUARY 25: Cowboys captain Johnathan Thurston poses during the 2016 NRL Season Launch at Sydney Botanical Gardens on February 25, 2016 in Sydney, Australia. (Photo by Mark Metcalfe/Getty Images)

JOHNATHAN Thurston has taken aim at the NRL schedule, demanding major reform that would see the premiership cut back to 22 rounds and the World Club Series moved to Dubai.

As he prepares for the Cowboys’ season-opener against Cronulla this Saturday, Thurston outlined his scheduling blueprint to ease the strain on the code’s biggest stars.

Maroons superstar Thurston is at the vanguard of NRL players looking to abolish five-day turnarounds and says:

* The 26-round NRL premiership must be reduced to 22 rounds;

* The Indigenous All Stars game should be held in grand-final week;

* The World Club Series must be taken away from England to reduce the travel demands on NRL players; and

* He has no interest in playing in the World Club Series unless it’s for the major trophy.

Thurston was among a number of top-liners who threatened to boycott last year’s Dally M Awards over a nine-month season schedule pushing NRL players to breaking point.

MEBERSHIP SURGE: You’ll never guess who the top four are

NRL clubs currently play 24 games over 26 rounds, but Thurston wants a return to the 22-match premiership format used between 1988-96 - effectively cutting the season by a month.

“That (a 22-round competition) would be ideal,” he said.

Cowboys captain Johnathan Thurston says the NRL schedule must be reformed.

“I know the broadcasters have a fair bit to say over how many games we’re playing. But if we could cut back on (premiership) games and sell the rights to the World Club Series, that way we are still getting enough footy.

“I was talking to the coach (Cowboys’ Paul Green) the other day about it. It’s a hectic schedule, including the pre-season ... something has got to give.”

As revealed by The Courier-Mail a fortnight ago, RLPA boss Ian Prendergast is lobbying the NRL for better working conditions for the code’s 400-plus contracted players.

Few are subjected to the workload of Thurston. And while the NRL’s No. 1 player is a huge fan of the Indigenous All Stars concept given his Aboriginal heritage, Thurston believes the promotional game could be better positioned in grand-final week.

MEBERSHIP SURGE: You’ll never guess who the top four are

The All Stars game could be played as a curtain-raiser to the NRL grand final - or 24 hours before on the Saturday. That would give broadcasters weekend content in the build-up to the Sunday night decider.

“I know the RLPA and the players are very vocal,” Thurston said.

“Whether we move the All Stars to grand-final week is another option ... or maybe we play it in a regional area like Newcastle or Canberra.”

Thurston helped the Cowboys to a 38-4 rout of Leeds in the World Club Series last week, but says he has no interest in playing in the tournament again if he isn’t playing for the major trophy.

The Broncos and Roosters effectively played exhibition games in the World Club Series, which Thurston believes should be taken to new markets as a marketing ploy.

“With the World Club Challenge, if we’re not playing for No. 1, I’ve told the coach he can leave me at home,” Thurston said.

“It is a disruption. I don’t know what the answers are. But if we’re not playing for the trophy, I’ve got no desire in going over and playing for second or third.

“That’s only my view on it.

“I don’t think it’s a great incentive. What they could do is take the World Club Series to Dubai or Abu Dhabi, that’s meeting halfway and growing the game somewhere.

“That way it’s only the one flight for the (Australian) clubs going and we can play somewhere where we’re looking to promote the game.”