Under a new proposal, the NRL is set for a massive top eight finals shake-up in 2020 with the introduction of a wildcard round to be played between four teams.
In what will make the race to the finals more exciting and minimise dead rubbers, the proposal is that teams that finish seventh to 10th on the NRL ladder will compete against each other for the final two spots in the top eight.
The teams that finish first to sixth will earn a week off.
If the change had been implemented last season, the Wests Tigers and Canberra would’ve had the chance to break into the finals despite six and 10 points behind the Warriors who finished in eighth.
The fourth team that would’ve made up the wildcard round would’ve been St George Illawarra who finished in seventh.
Eighth will play ninth, while seventh will play 10th for spots in the elimination finals.
The NRL finals format will follow following the wildcard round.
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Personally I reckon it's a shite idea. Just to make some extra money.
Replies
I agree with the current format. Not top 5.
2 players that can interchange and 2 permanant subs. Once you're off, that's it for the day.
Finally, the NRL does something in favour of Parramatta lol.
We'd finish 11th with that format. Because...Parra.
Ridiculous, if your not good enough to make the eight , you’re not good enough to play semi final footy , as simple as that!!!
Agree.
Just to keep more teams supporter bases interested which equals more revenue.
Finish 10th? You have no business playing finals.
Dont like the idea at all. I think its unfair on the teams that earned the spot in the 7& 8th spots especially if there is a margin of points between 7&8 then 9&10. I think thinks its unfair.
Agree with you on the points aspect Monto.
I would however not mind it if teams finishing on the same position eg 2 teams on equal win numbers at 8, should play off for the final spot, often there is not much in the for and against between them so it would be good for that reason. Lets not forget it was something the eels & saints did some years back, drawn semi, extra time and still drawn and a mid week game, we lost, but at least it gave us another chance.
So a club could limp into 10th position with a for and against in the negative. Win 3 or 4 games in a row and make a grand final. That’s horrible. If a team were to win from 9th or 10th spot the nrl would spruik it as a fairytale. All it would be is a failure to award consistency.
Dumb idea. Is it April 1st already?
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