This year shows lack of qld teams sees a big drop in audience with no local teams in contention. Way to fix this is split comp into conferences guaranteeing qld finals participation.
Qld is huge rugby league market & NRL should do everything to unsure it is engaged all way to grand final.
Conferences will also allow Sydney teams to play each other more often which generates biggest audience here.
NSW conference - 8 teams. Merge teams such as saints & sharks (St George Sutherland Illawarra).
Qld conference - 8 teams including Auckland (closer to Brisbane) & Storm (who have following up north) Raiders (why not). Add Dolphins & either Ipswich or Firehawks.
Let each team play conference rivals twice & other teams once.
Qld is huge rugby league market & NRL should do everything to unsure it is engaged all way to grand final.
Conferences will also allow Sydney teams to play each other more often which generates biggest audience here.
NSW conference - 8 teams. Merge teams such as saints & sharks (St George Sutherland Illawarra).
Qld conference - 8 teams including Auckland (closer to Brisbane) & Storm (who have following up north) Raiders (why not). Add Dolphins & either Ipswich or Firehawks.
Let each team play conference rivals twice & other teams once.