The two clubs that copped a raw deal in the 2017 NRL draw

FIVE-DAY turnarounds have been reduced by 40 per cent in the 2017 NRL draw. But there are two clubs that didn’t benefit, writes Phil Rothfield.

• FULL DRAW: Get the full 2017 NRL draw
• SUPERCOACH: How the byes will affect 2017
• MALONE: Broncos take prime time in 2017

SOUTH Sydney Rabbitohs coach Michael Maguire will have every reason to be furious about the draw.

His team has been handed four five-day turnarounds in the opening 20 rounds of the competition, the most of any team in the premiership.

Despite a 39 per cent reduction in five-day turnarounds because of the scrapping of Monday night football, the Rabbitohs and archrivals the Sydney Roosters with three have been the hardest hit.

Bunnies coach Michael Maguire will be fuming over his team’s treatment in the NRL draw for 2017.

As predicted the Broncos, because of all their Thursday and Friday night prime time appearances, get only one five-day turnaround.

It is a huge advantage in the modern game where sports science and the preparation of the players each week is almost as crucial as game day.

All up the five-day turnarounds have been reduced from 31 to 20.

Two of the hardest hit clubs in recent years have fared much better for 2017.

Wayne Bennett and his Broncos got another sweet deal with the 2017 draw.

The Manly Sea Eagles complained about getting four last year but will only have one in 2017

Melbourne Storm protested two years ago and also will only have one next year — and that’s because they play on Anzac Day.

While the reductions are a great thing for player welfare, the integrity of the draw is still a major issue.

Teams that rate higher on prime time television get a huge advantage and can give their players a regular two-day weekend off.

Phil Rothfield takes a look at the 2017 NRL draw.

Still, the NRL promised the Players Association to reduce the short turnarounds by 25 per cent then came up with a 39 per cent reduction.

“There is nothing more important in the game than player welfare,” Mr Greenberg said

“We want to give players as much time as possible to fully recover from games.

“We would hope that the reduction in five-day turnarounds will also reduce injuries and fatigue

“So the on-field product should also benefit from the change.”