NSW and Qld Cup winners to face off

The NRL has announced plans for the winners of the NSW and Queensland Cup competitions to face off on grand final day next year.

Chief operating officer Jim Doyle says there is huge desire within the game for more focus on the second-tier competitions.

"We are looking to build greater connections between NRL clubs and those in both the NSW and Queensland," Doyle said on Friday.

"Seeing the winners of the two competitions playing on grand final day, for instance, is a way of underlining the links with the grassroots as well as a celebration of local heroes.

"The Holden Cup is certainly going to remain a pivotal pathway in our game but more and more people will recognise the extent to which the State Leagues are the immediate springboard into the NRL."

Doyle says he hopes to complete the new salary cap review early next month and to present it club chief executives' approval at a December 4-5 meeting.

The review process has already included extensive consultation with clubs, sponsors, player managers and media representatives.

"We are still in the process of collecting and analysing all of the ideas out there," Doyle said.

"By the time we next meet with the CEOs, we will be looking for their input on the suggestions that we most want to see considered.

"Much of what we are talking about is going to affect the 2015 season and beyond but if there are short-term issues that don't impact on the financial planning already in place at clubs then we will look at those."

The 2014 season draw is expected to be finalised later this month and will again provide a fixed schedule for the first 20 rounds.

"At this stage, no matches are locked in but we do have all of the information we need from clubs and broadcasters and the process is well and truly underway," said NRL head of football Todd Greenberg.

"Chammas did say storm are potentially thinking about that move but they are still thinking about it. Probably worried if Munster to fullback will work. I'm not sure how much Chammas knows cause he also said raiders and cowboys are still in the race…"

"I think he has a few properties up here, this was just the latest acquisition. Can see him moving into a HOF role at the Storm and commuting a few days when needed. He can do everything else remotely these days over Zoom. Just can't see him anywere…"

"Well reports were he had meetings with them last year. Bellamy has always said he would go back to Queensland. Brisbane won a comp with Madge so Bellamy wont go there. Then Dolphins have Woolf, he could go behind the scenes there. NQ i reckon would…"

Replies

Waterboy November 2, 2013 at 2:01pm

I think this is a great concept, cant wait to see the states go at it. I think it will be a true GF for the second tier comps. They could even expand this a little further. Have a North and South conference and the top 4 go to the play offs.
- Tin Tim > Waterboy November 2, 2013 at 2:59pm
  
  Even better!
Snakey - Sack Dylan Brown November 2, 2013 at 2:03pm

Sounds like a great idea, like a mini SOO on GF day, great to see the state comps getting recognition on GF day.
Ham Sammich November 2, 2013 at 2:07pm

NSW will finally get to win something
Jimmy November 2, 2013 at 2:30pm

Some good judges have been saying the QLD Cup comp is stronger than NSW Cup. Now we will see.
Ham Sammich November 2, 2013 at 2:42pm

@Jimmy, NSW residents (NSW cup) beat QLD Residents (Intrust cup)earlier this year when they played before the third SOO
- Jimmy > Ham Sammich November 2, 2013 at 2:53pm
  
  That's right they did too Ham. My bad.
Cʜɪᴇғy Mclovin 🐐 November 2, 2013 at 2:50pm

2014 Gf Matt Keating's Burleigh Bears vs Sef Paulo's Wenty.
Hewi Hewi Moi Moi November 2, 2013 at 4:08pm

Will NSW cup be on before 1st grade next year??
This reply was deleted.
- Waterboy November 2, 2013 at 5:16pm
  
  I keep hearing the same, this will finally be decided.