The NRL’s bold plan to expand the competition to 18 teams could see the creation of a two-conference system that would eliminate the possibility of an all-Sydney grand-final.
As first reported by Fairfax Media, ARL Commission chairman Peter V’landys and NRL CEO Andrew Abdo have already visited with several clubs to spruik the radical proposal.
Under the plan, the nine Sydney teams – Panthers, Bulldogs, Eels, Roosters, Rabbitohs, Tigers, Sea Eagles, Sharks and Dragons – would play in one conference.
The second conference would include the seven existing non-Sydney teams – Broncos, Titans, Cowboys, Storm, Raiders, Knights and Warriors – along with second teams located in Brisbane and New Zealand.
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Teams would play conference rivals twice and non-conference teams once over a 25-round regular season.
The top-four teams in each conference would qualify for the semi-finals, with the winner of each conference to square off in the grand-final.
It is a similar system to the NFL’s format, which crowns two conference winners who square off in the Super Bowl.
The NBA, MLB and NHL all follow the same two-conference structure, which fans in the massive American market have become accustomed to.
According to Fairfax, an alternative finals format would see the top four teams from each conference combined to form a top-eight, meaning an all-Sydney grand-final would still be possible.
It is unclear whether clubs are in favour of the radical two-conference plan, which would take several years for the governing body to implement.
The first step is the inclusion of a 17th team, which is due to be announced in August.
Three Brisbane-based clubs – the Dolphins, Firehawks and Jets – have been shortlisted by the NRL.
The second Brisbane team is expected to debut in 2023 under the code’s next broadcast deal.
NRL heavyweights Phil Gould and Wayne Bennett have both previously expressed their support for a two-conference system.
But judging by the immediate reaction social media, rugby league fans are far from convinced.
This "Expansion" talk is bollocks! As we've seen previously (eg SL v ARL or others), where the HELL is RL going to find an ADDITIONAL 60 quality players? Where? Are they currently dormant in the @NSWRL, @IntrustSuperCup or @SuperLeague or the country leagues?#IThinkNot #NRL
— 💧Challenging Ideas Oz (@cideasoz) April 27, 2021
My life has been leading up to witnessing the new Brisbane franchise v second New Zealand team grand final. Awesome. #NRL
— Steve Williams (@therandomswill) April 27, 2021
Tribalism is the same as fatigue to rugby league. It's not gonna improve the product when it comes at the expense of everything else. An all-Sydney conference won't work. #NRL
— Slatts (@trentslatts) April 27, 2021
Very keen for the #NRl conference system so the game can really tap into those blockbuster rivalries like Titans-Knights and Raiders-Cowboys. The sky really is the limit.
— Phil Lutton (@phillutton78) April 27, 2021
It's great to see the @NRL seriously considering introducing a conference system, but the idea of two conferences split between Sydney and non-Sydney teams is not the answer. #NRL
— The Future League (@futureleague_RL) April 27, 2021
