Everyone needs to play each other in NRL’s return, says Ricky Stuart

Canberra coach Ricky Stuart says the only way to keep the competition’s integrity is to play each other once.

Canberra Raiders coach Ricky Stuart: ‘To make it as fair as possible everyone needs to play each other once into a normal semi-final series.’ Picture: AAP

Canberra coach Ricky Stuart has backed plans to scrap the conference idea, declaring the only way to keep the competition’s integrity is to play each other once.

The NRL will step up discussions with broadcasters this week as they finalise the competition structure for a May 28 restart. They want the resumption of the season to be filled with blockbuster games, which could be highlighted by the Roosters and South Sydney facing each other.

Stuart is open to ending the season with rivalry matches but said most importantly was ensuring 13 more matches are played.

“To make it as fair as possible, everyone needs to play each other once into a normal semi-final series,” Stuart said. “It keeps the integrity of the competition. It is less complicated and a fair process.

“With the disruption we have had we need to keep the competition as fair as possible. It is the most uncomplicated process and the fairest way to play.

“I believe it’s still in the hands of broadcasters and the NRL and they will make the end decision.” Clubs are expected to be able to return to training by May 4. Stuart said players would be found out if they had not used their time away from the field wisely.

“Some individuals will have been disciplined and followed their programs they have been given from each of their high-performances coaches,” Stuart said.

“Individuals who have been most healthy in regards to their mindset and diets and the way they have trained won’t need anywhere near as much as lazy people who have used the virus as an excuse to not train.”

Meanwhile, Melbourne’s ability to start fast and play clinical football might give them the biggest advantage if the NRL’s hiatus does end late next month. The Storm are one of six teams undefeated through the opening two rounds of the competition, after wins over Manly and Cronulla.

They are also renowned as the best starters in the competition. They have won their past 18 opening-round matches, going undefeated on the opening weekend of the season since coach Craig Bellamy’s signing in 2003.

Crucially, they’ve also won their past 16 matches after a week off, dating back to 2016, be it after a bye, representative round, in the finals or at the season’s start.

Also playing into Melbourne’s hands is their clinical nature, according to former champion Storm halfback Cooper Cronk.

“Melbourne and Canberra are positioned perfectly,” Cronk told Fox League Live. Basically what is going to win you footy games is good defence, high completions and a good kicking game. Make the other teams make errors and then you kick on afterwards.”

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