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2019 Finals scheduling news

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From https://www.nrl.com/news/2019/09/05...dule-options-open-but-storm-set-for-saturday/

NRL keeping finals schedule options open but Storm set for Saturday
Michael Chammas
Chief Reporter, NRL.com
Thu 5 Sep 2019, 03:53 PM

The NRL is in the process of finalising the schedule for the first week of the finals, with minor premiers Melbourne looking likely to play on Saturday night next weekend.

NRL officials are going through all potential machinations of the final round, however the greatest consideration will be given to player welfare and ensuring fair turnaround times for all teams.

Other considerations include NRLW scheduling, AFL finals fixtures, broadcasters and maximising crowd attendance.

While things could change over the weekend, the Storm have been told to plan for a Saturday night 7.45pm fixture against the fourth-placed team, likely to be the Rabbitohs or Sea Eagles.

If the Storm win, it’s almost certain they will host a Friday night preliminary final to avoid clashing with the AFL grand final on the Saturday of week three of the NRL finals.

The rest of the week-one finals schedule is still up in the air, however the second-placed Roosters are guaranteed to host a game and will likely play on Friday night or the Saturday 5.40pm timeslot.

The NRL will finalise the schedule and make an official announcement on Sunday after the Tigers-Sharks clash determines the make-up of the playoffs, however it is expected the Roosters will host the Raiders or Rabbitohs at the Sydney Cricket Ground.

That would provide all teams at least a minimum seven-day turnaround.

The NRL is also mindful of the women’s game, with the NRLW locked in as the curtain-raiser to the first Saturday men’s final and the Sunday men’s final as part of the broadcast deal.

The Roosters would like to host a men’s and women’s double header, which is why they may play on Saturday.

Parramatta are the other team guaranteed a home final for finishing fifth or sixth, however the NRL is reluctant to schedule the Eels on Friday night if they play against Cronulla or the Tigers.

The Tigers and Sharks square off at Leichhardt Oval this Sunday afternoon, meaning a Friday fixture against the Eels would only allow them a five-day turnaround.

The Friday night Eels match at Bankwest Stadium could be an option if Parramatta are drawn against the Brisbane Broncos, who play on Saturday this weekend.

The Rabbitohs can cement a top-four spot with a win over the Roosters on Thursday night, however if they lose and Manly beat the Eels and make up a 32-point differential, South Sydney will finish fifth and host in one week of the finals.

ANZ Stadium is capable of hosting a double-header, however there are restrictions at Brookvale Oval that the Sea Eagles will need to meet if there are to be two matches on the same day at the venue.

The Sea Eagles are in the same boat as the Eels, with the timing of their fixture to be determined by their opponent and their turnaround time from the previous week.
 

Valheru

Coach
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17,509
If Richmond lose they will play at the MCG on Saturday night.

Surely the smart option is to pencil Storm in for the Saturday arvo.

I would then have roosters Saturday night so they can host a women's game too. That leaves whoever plays Brisbane for Friday and the all Sydney game for Sunday.
 

siv

First Grade
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6,546
So minor premiers don't get benefit of playing on Friday night ?

They should play NRLW at Trumper Park

No one is interested in seeing Easts play on game day. Fans get their early to beat traffic and well up crowds.

And St Merge and Warriors won't have any fans paying finals prices to attend.
 

Valheru

Coach
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17,509
So finals hosts confirmed now

1v4 @ AAMI
2v3 @ SCG
5v8 @ Bankwest
6v7 @ Brookvale

I don't think they will change Parra to ANZ, even if it is against tigers

5v8 looks made for Sunday. I would have both qualifying games on Saturday and the Manly game on Friday.
 

Last Week

Bench
Messages
3,642
So finals hosts confirmed now

1v4 @ AAMI
2v3 @ SCG
5v8 @ Bankwest
6v7 @ Brookvale

I don't think they will change Parra to ANZ, even if it is against tigers

5v8 looks made for Sunday. I would have both qualifying games on Saturday and the Manly game on Friday.

I dare say that whoever plays Brisbane, will play on Friday night. Gives 9 their Friday night Broncos match and also the fairest amount of rest as opposed to what the Tigers/Sharks would get if they played on Friday.

I think you're right about the Qualifying games. They'll be on the Saturday.
 

siv

First Grade
Messages
6,546
Seems that article got updated

NRL keeping finals schedule options open but Storm set for Saturday
Author
Michael ChammasChief Reporter
Timestamp
Thu 5 Sep 2019, 09:59 PM
chammas-michael-head.png

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The NRL is in the process of finalising the schedule for the first week of the finals, with minor premiers Melbourne looking likely to play on Saturday night next weekend.

NRL officials are going through all potential machinations of the final round, however the greatest consideration will be given to player welfare and ensuring fair turnaround times for all teams.

Other considerations include NRLW scheduling, AFL finals fixtures, broadcasters and maximising crowd attendance.

While things could change over the weekend, the Storm have been told to plan for a Saturday night 5.40pm fixture against the fourth-placed team, which after Thursday night's result will be either the Rabbitohs or Raiders.

If the Storm win, it’s almost certain they will host a Friday night preliminary final to avoid clashing with the AFL grand final on the Saturday of week three of the NRL finals.

The rest of the week-one finals schedule is still up in the air, however the second-placed Roosters are guaranteed to host a game and will likely play on Friday night or the Saturday 7.45pm timeslot.

The NRL will finalise the schedule and make an official announcement on Sunday after the Tigers-Sharks clash determines the make-up of the playoffs, however it is expected the Roosters will host the Raiders or Rabbitohs at the Sydney Cricket Ground.

That would provide all teams at least a minimum seven-day turnaround.

remote.axd





Storm v Cowboys - Round 25

The NRL is also mindful of the women’s game, with the NRLW locked in as the curtain-raiser to the first Saturday men’s final and the Sunday men’s final as part of the broadcast deal.

Parramatta are the other team guaranteed a home final for finishing fifth or sixth, however the NRL is reluctant to schedule the Eels on Friday night if they play against Cronulla or the Tigers.

The Tigers and Sharks square off at Leichhardt Oval this Sunday afternoon, meaning a Friday fixture against the Eels would only allow them a five-day turnaround.

The Friday night Eels match at Bankwest Stadium could be an option if Parramatta are drawn against the Brisbane Broncos, who play on Saturday this weekend.
 

SBD82

Coach
Messages
16,905
Semi finals week 1 should be

Saturday

5.30pm - 6 Vs 7
8.00pm - 5 Vs 8

Sunday

2.00pm - 2 Vs 3
4.00pm - 1 Vs 4

Then continue Saturday night / Sunday arvo for weeks 2 & 3.

No need for Friday night games when the finals roll around.
Totally agree, but it won’t happen while 9 maintain their current influence on the game.
 
Messages
13,793
Semi finals week 1 should be

Saturday

5.30pm - 6 Vs 7
8.00pm - 5 Vs 8

Sunday

2.00pm - 2 Vs 3
4.00pm - 1 Vs 4

Then continue Saturday night / Sunday arvo for weeks 2 & 3.

No need for Friday night games when the finals roll around.

They won';t do it. Friday night games will stay during the finals. Not because of Channel 9 though. More so because with having the GF on a Sunday, they can guarantee that both teams playing will get at least a 7 day turn around between the Grand Final Qualifying game and the GF.
 

Last Week

Bench
Messages
3,642
So it's definitely;

Storm v Raiders - Should be 5:30pm Saturday.
Roosters v Rabbitohs - Should be 7:30pm Sunday.

Eels v Broncos - Should be Friday night
Sea Eagles v Sharks/Tigers - Should be Sunday.

Unless the Tigers v Sharks draw, which would have Sea Eagles v Sharks and Eels v Tigers.

Come on draw!!
 

siv

First Grade
Messages
6,546
Can't believe we don't have a draw so fans can start booking accommodation & flights etc

Draw is pretty black and white now

1v4 - Storm v Canberra @ AAMI
2v3 - Easts v Souths @ SCG
5v8 - Parra v Brisbane/Wests @ WSS
6v7 - Manly v Cronulla/Wests @ Brooky

And Cronulla and Wests won't be given a 5 day turnaround either
 

Valheru

Coach
Messages
17,509
Can't believe we don't have a draw so fans can start booking accommodation & flights etc

Draw is pretty black and white now

1v4 - Storm v Canberra @ AAMI
2v3 - Easts v Souths @ SCG
5v8 - Parra v Brisbane/Wests @ WSS
6v7 - Manly v Cronulla/Wests @ Brooky

And Cronulla and Wests won't be given a 5 day turnaround either

Is that the order of the games you are proposing?

You want storm to play whilst 75k ate across the road at the MCG?
 

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