What’s the Buzz: Support grows for NRL finals wildcard weekend
Support is growing for an NRL wildcard weekend that would solve the problem of teams like Penrith resting 16 players on the eve of the finals series, writes Phil Rothfield.
A push to introduce a Wildcard Weekend on the eve of the NRL finals is gaining momentum from league powerbrokers in a move to stop coaches robbing fans by resting players at the backend of the season.
Influential club CEOs – South Sydney’s Blake Solly and Brisbane’s Dave Donaghy – are strong supporters of the concept once the competition expands to 18 teams with the inclusion of the Perth Bears in 2027.
Your columnist spoke to NRL bosses Peter V’landys and Andrew Abdo last week on the subject. Both agreed the idea had merit and would be part of discussions in the future.
It follows Penrith coach Ivan Cleary resting 16 players from his team to play Canterbury — effectively robbing fans of a Thursdayv night blockbuster.
Under a Wildcard Weekend concept, the top six would get the weekend off after round 27 to freshen up for the finals while seventh on the ladder plays 10th and eighth plays ninth for the right to qualify.
Last week, Penrith would not have been in a position to rest its entire squad because it would be fighting to make the top six to avoid Wildcard Weekend.
“This is definitely worth strong consideration when the competition expands to 18 and 19 teams,” Solly said.
“Hopefully it is another commercial asset broadcasters and sponsors love.
“When the competition expands to 20 teams, a move to conferences and wildcard play-offs will be essential anyway.”
Donaghy has similar thoughts.
“I think it’s a great concept as we continue to expand the comp,” Donaghy said.
“I say that on two fronts — one is that it rewards the top six teams with a freshen up.
“Two, from a club perspective, if teams are running 12th or 13th at the moment, the reality is your season is probably done and dusted for your fans.
“The Wildcard concept would keep fans engaged for longer. This would be a massive win for fans and more great content for the broadcasters.
“It could be packaged up at one central venue to create a great spectacle, potentially a double-header. I’ve long been a fan of it.”
Most importantly, it protects the integrity of competition and stops clubs like the Bulldogs from being gifted two points — like what happened last Thursday night.
Penrith’s decision to rest its entire NRL squad for Thursday night was a costly one for free-to-air broadcaster Channel 9.
Even with no AFL matches on, rival Channel 7 had a one million-plus audience for a legends game, beating the NRL by more than 235,000 viewers.
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Originally published as What’s the Buzz: Support grows for NRL finals wildcard weekend
