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3 Grades on Game Day

George Dragon

Juniors
Messages
1,985
NRL 2021: NRL push to bring back all three grades on game days
In a throwback to rugby league’s halcyon days of the 1980s and 1990s, the NRL is exploring the return of “all three grades” on some match days this season.

David RiccoChief Sports Writer
3 min read
January 26, 2021 - 6:07PM

Peter V’landys has a new mission for 2021 — to bring back all three grades.

The ARLC chairman and NRL chief executive Andrew Abdo’s mandate to give the game back to the fans is set to continue with the return of reserve grade and under-21s games before NRL matches.

In a throwback to rugby league’s halcyon days of the 1980s and 1990s, when fans could follow the development of a rookie from the lower grades into a star of first grade, the NRL brains trust has been in talks with all 16 clubs about the return of “all three grades” this season.

The NRL is “down the track” with corresponding state leagues from the NSWRL and QRL on relaunching the model that will provide footy fans with the opportunity to watch three games inside the same stadium.

The NRL is acutely aware of the financial impact the model may have on some clubs, but believes that returning the lower grades to game day is viable.

Saturday and Sunday match days have been identified as the most likely starting point for the return of the reserve grade and under-21s matches, when possible.

“The concept of having fans being able to see up-and-coming and younger talent in the feeder competitions, or even a superstar making their comeback from injury, we believe that is a great project for us to work on,’’ Abdo said.

65b8312ff6a8fb1eff0f0f28c9e91d11


“We play NRL matches on Thursday to Sunday and some of the logistical arrangements with aligning the draw with the NSW Cup and Queensland Cup on a Thursday or Friday night, due to a large majority of the players still working jobs, could be problematic.

“But on a Saturday or Sunday, being able to align the draws of the NSW and Queensland Cup, makes sense and we are working on it.


“There’s not a lot of resistance to it. It’s just about aligning who is affiliated to which club and getting the draw to work.

“We’re receiving the co-operation that we need from both the NSWRL and QRL.”

Abdo said the NRL had spoken to host broadcasters Fox Sports and Nine about their mission to bring the stars of the future back into the schedule of an NRL game day.

“That’s what we’re working on,’’ Abdo said. “We want it broadcast, so we’re working with everyone, including Fox Sports and Nine, to see which games could be broadcast.

Fans could go to games and watch the likes of Andrew and Matty Johns coming through the grades.
“We’re working with the NSWRL and the QRL to try and optimise the draw so that when Penrith play, their reserve grade team and possibly under-20s are also playing before on the Saturday.

“We’re hoping to get up to 30 or 40 (lower grade) games this season to maximise that outcome for fans.

“There’s something in there for everyone. It’s much easier in NSW. In Queensland it’s a bit trickier because the Broncos, Cowboys and Titans are aligned with Queensland Cup clubs, but it’s not impossible and we’re working on it.

“There’s not a lot of resistance to it.’’

Some of the game’s most gifted players, including Arthur Beetson, Graham Eadie, Phil Blake, Des Hasler, Andrew Johns, David Peachey and Mat Rogers, had already developed a fan following in the lower grades long before they made their first grade or NRL debuts.

V’landys, as evidenced by his polarising rule changes, has made no secret of his desire to return the game to the fans.

He said fans would be excited to be able to watch the game’s next generation of players.

“It’s very important that there is vertical integration to get into the NRL, like it used to be, which is the under-21s, into reserve grade, into first grade,’’ V’landys said.

“You only need to look at these Facebook forums where they put the teams up from years gone by to see all the players that were in the under-21s and reserve grade that ended up in first grade.

“To me it’s a priority. We have to look at it. Obviously, like anything, when you want to make a change there’s resistance, but Andrew is talking to the clubs about all those pros and cons.’’

https://www.dailytelegraph.com.au/s...s/news-story/2e0d97182795e6ca60ddec1981dd280c
 

George Sancti

Juniors
Messages
279
Thanks George for posting this article.

I do not get to too many games these days, however I would maker a greater effort if all three grades were playing. In years gone by I enjoyed seeing the up and comers playing in the early games. To some degree, I liked the preliminaries more than the main game as I did not experience the levels of stress that I felt during the main game.
 

possm

Coach
Messages
15,587
WOW! Now that is a change I have been longing for and I'm sure it will have the desired effect among fans. Let's hope that tickets purchased on the day at the gate are heavily discounted if purchased prior to the start of the Under 21's second half. This would take care of some trafic and parking problems and also boost the takings for merchandise, food and drinks sales.

I used to love going to the game early and watching all 3 games with my kids.
 

BLM01

First Grade
Messages
8,944
I find this confusing.

Why do the NRL have to “push” for 3 games on game day?

Who are they pushing?

The NRL run the game.

Just put the three games on.
You forgot TV, the Independant Corporate Commission, major corporate sponsors and of course the clubs / coaches (who it wont suit) who also run the game...and of course their is Cam Smith to be consulted.
Apart from that I totally agree
Play all games on a Saturday and Sunday for those young ones who work if Fri/Thurs night are a problem.
Lets do it. Imagine the air travel costs to NZ and the interstate teams.
The NRL can afford it. Fund it all.
 

BLM01

First Grade
Messages
8,944
You forgot TV, the Independant Corporate Commission, major corporate sponsors and of course the clubs / coaches (who it wont suit) who also run the game...and of course their is Cam Smith to be consulted.
Apart from that I totally agree
Play all games on a Saturday and Sunday for those young ones who work if Fri/Thurs night are a problem.
Lets do it. Imagine the air travel costs to NZ and the interstate teams.
The NRL can afford it. Fund it all.
But here I am thinking it is all lip service and it will be blocked by something or someone or we will get the trade off for only 1-2 games a week.
 

muzby

Village Idiot
Staff member
Messages
45,708
You forgot TV, the Independant Corporate Commission, major corporate sponsors and of course the clubs / coaches (who it wont suit) who also run the game...and of course their is Cam Smith to be consulted.
Apart from that I totally agree
Play all games on a Saturday and Sunday for those young ones who work if Fri/Thurs night are a problem.
Lets do it. Imagine the air travel costs to NZ and the interstate teams.
The NRL can afford it. Fund it all.
- TV has nothing to do with it, they only screen first grade (for the most part, Canterbury cup comes in 2nd).

- The “youngsters” would be u/20s. Not sure too many in the current squads are working jobs which require them to work Thursday & Friday nights. They aren’t school kids.

- Why won’t it suit the clubs? They’re travelling anyway, many times they’re travelling to different locations over the one weekend. Plenty of economies of scale to be had here.

- What impact is there to sponsors? I’m struggling to work out why a sponsor wouldn’t want to see more exposure to their brand to a wider audience.

If the NRL are finding pushback from any of these areas, they probably shouldn’t be running the game TBH..
 

BLM01

First Grade
Messages
8,944
- TV has nothing to do with it, they only screen first grade (for the most part, Canterbury cup comes in 2nd).

- The “youngsters” would be u/20s. Not sure too many in the current squads are working jobs which require them to work Thursday & Friday nights. They aren’t school kids.

- Why won’t it suit the clubs? They’re travelling anyway, many times they’re travelling to different locations over the one weekend. Plenty of economies of scale to be had here.

- What impact is there to sponsors? I’m struggling to work out why a sponsor wouldn’t want to see more exposure to their brand to a wider audience.

If the NRL are finding pushback from any of these areas, they probably shouldn’t be running the game TBH..

Out of all ypour points Point 5 is the closest to be correct.

1. TV pay for the rights and dictate when it is and what games are broadcasted and the time slots. They also want Thurs / Friday nights and the NRL is suggesting it wont work for those days..read 2 below
2. The 2 lower grades who may mostly be working or part timers dont play at night and dont get to play every game next to their place of employment. You forgot about travel to the game especially away games
With 3 grades the 1st game would be likely mid afternoon then the 2nd game about 5, during work hours

3. Quite a few clubs dont have 3 grades and a club like Melbourne dont all have players located in the one place. some reserve grade teams are not in the same locale either.

4. Nothing but if they lose their Thurs / Friday prime timeslot advertisement there will be, as the NRL suggested about playing all on weekend. if you read the article you would of noted that.
And all lower grades wont be at night so no real benefit of broader exposure
 

Old Timer

Coach
Messages
16,914
NRL 2021: NRL push to bring back all three grades on game days
In a throwback to rugby league’s halcyon days of the 1980s and 1990s, the NRL is exploring the return of “all three grades” on some match days this season.

David RiccoChief Sports Writer
3 min read
January 26, 2021 - 6:07PM

Peter V’landys has a new mission for 2021 — to bring back all three grades.

The ARLC chairman and NRL chief executive Andrew Abdo’s mandate to give the game back to the fans is set to continue with the return of reserve grade and under-21s games before NRL matches.

In a throwback to rugby league’s halcyon days of the 1980s and 1990s, when fans could follow the development of a rookie from the lower grades into a star of first grade, the NRL brains trust has been in talks with all 16 clubs about the return of “all three grades” this season.

The NRL is “down the track” with corresponding state leagues from the NSWRL and QRL on relaunching the model that will provide footy fans with the opportunity to watch three games inside the same stadium.

The NRL is acutely aware of the financial impact the model may have on some clubs, but believes that returning the lower grades to game day is viable.

Saturday and Sunday match days have been identified as the most likely starting point for the return of the reserve grade and under-21s matches, when possible.

“The concept of having fans being able to see up-and-coming and younger talent in the feeder competitions, or even a superstar making their comeback from injury, we believe that is a great project for us to work on,’’ Abdo said.

65b8312ff6a8fb1eff0f0f28c9e91d11


“We play NRL matches on Thursday to Sunday and some of the logistical arrangements with aligning the draw with the NSW Cup and Queensland Cup on a Thursday or Friday night, due to a large majority of the players still working jobs, could be problematic.

“But on a Saturday or Sunday, being able to align the draws of the NSW and Queensland Cup, makes sense and we are working on it.


“There’s not a lot of resistance to it. It’s just about aligning who is affiliated to which club and getting the draw to work.

“We’re receiving the co-operation that we need from both the NSWRL and QRL.”

Abdo said the NRL had spoken to host broadcasters Fox Sports and Nine about their mission to bring the stars of the future back into the schedule of an NRL game day.

“That’s what we’re working on,’’ Abdo said. “We want it broadcast, so we’re working with everyone, including Fox Sports and Nine, to see which games could be broadcast.

Fans could go to games and watch the likes of Andrew and Matty Johns coming through the grades.
“We’re working with the NSWRL and the QRL to try and optimise the draw so that when Penrith play, their reserve grade team and possibly under-20s are also playing before on the Saturday.

“We’re hoping to get up to 30 or 40 (lower grade) games this season to maximise that outcome for fans.

“There’s something in there for everyone. It’s much easier in NSW. In Queensland it’s a bit trickier because the Broncos, Cowboys and Titans are aligned with Queensland Cup clubs, but it’s not impossible and we’re working on it.

“There’s not a lot of resistance to it.’’

Some of the game’s most gifted players, including Arthur Beetson, Graham Eadie, Phil Blake, Des Hasler, Andrew Johns, David Peachey and Mat Rogers, had already developed a fan following in the lower grades long before they made their first grade or NRL debuts.

V’landys, as evidenced by his polarising rule changes, has made no secret of his desire to return the game to the fans.

He said fans would be excited to be able to watch the game’s next generation of players.

“It’s very important that there is vertical integration to get into the NRL, like it used to be, which is the under-21s, into reserve grade, into first grade,’’ V’landys said.

“You only need to look at these Facebook forums where they put the teams up from years gone by to see all the players that were in the under-21s and reserve grade that ended up in first grade.

“To me it’s a priority. We have to look at it. Obviously, like anything, when you want to make a change there’s resistance, but Andrew is talking to the clubs about all those pros and cons.’’

https://www.dailytelegraph.com.au/s...s/news-story/2e0d97182795e6ca60ddec1981dd280c
Pretty fair Manly reserve grade side with many of those going onto illustrious 1st grade careers and fair to say that our piggies looked pretty good as well.

I noticed the little asterix beside some players names if I remember correctly that was to denote "import" do you know if that is correct George?

Anyway if three grades were played it would be a good outcome for the supporters and the game.
 

muzby

Village Idiot
Staff member
Messages
45,708
Out of all ypour points Point 5 is the closest to be correct.

1. TV pay for the rights and dictate when it is and what games are broadcasted and the time slots. They also want Thurs / Friday nights and the NRL is suggesting it wont work for those days..read 2 below
2. The 2 lower grades who may mostly be working or part timers dont play at night and dont get to play every game next to their place of employment. You forgot about travel to the game especially away games
With 3 grades the 1st game would be likely mid afternoon then the 2nd game about 5, during work hours

3. Quite a few clubs dont have 3 grades and a club like Melbourne dont all have players located in the one place. some reserve grade teams are not in the same locale either.

4. Nothing but if they lose their Thurs / Friday prime timeslot advertisement there will be, as the NRL suggested about playing all on weekend. if you read the article you would of noted that.
And all lower grades wont be at night so no real benefit of broader exposure
Whilst I would normally say the top echelon of league worrying about issues like that would be the tail wagging the dog, it really feels with the power the NRL have (combined with the added benefit it would bring to the game as a whole) it really is the fleas wagging the tail to wag the dog..


When & where exactly are the lower grades playing at the moment that allow the players to also fulfil their shifts at McDonalds? It feels like in your argument they are playing the games on a Monday or Tuesday....

The NRL have the power to move it. If it’s good for the game as a whole, they have the ability to do it.
 

boardlumps62

Juniors
Messages
1,481
NRL 2021: NRL push to bring back all three grades on game days
In a throwback to rugby league’s halcyon days of the 1980s and 1990s, the NRL is exploring the return of “all three grades” on some match days this season.

David RiccoChief Sports Writer
3 min read
January 26, 2021 - 6:07PM

Peter V’landys has a new mission for 2021 — to bring back all three grades.

The ARLC chairman and NRL chief executive Andrew Abdo’s mandate to give the game back to the fans is set to continue with the return of reserve grade and under-21s games before NRL matches.

In a throwback to rugby league’s halcyon days of the 1980s and 1990s, when fans could follow the development of a rookie from the lower grades into a star of first grade, the NRL brains trust has been in talks with all 16 clubs about the return of “all three grades” this season.

The NRL is “down the track” with corresponding state leagues from the NSWRL and QRL on relaunching the model that will provide footy fans with the opportunity to watch three games inside the same stadium.

The NRL is acutely aware of the financial impact the model may have on some clubs, but believes that returning the lower grades to game day is viable.

Saturday and Sunday match days have been identified as the most likely starting point for the return of the reserve grade and under-21s matches, when possible.

“The concept of having fans being able to see up-and-coming and younger talent in the feeder competitions, or even a superstar making their comeback from injury, we believe that is a great project for us to work on,’’ Abdo said.

65b8312ff6a8fb1eff0f0f28c9e91d11


“We play NRL matches on Thursday to Sunday and some of the logistical arrangements with aligning the draw with the NSW Cup and Queensland Cup on a Thursday or Friday night, due to a large majority of the players still working jobs, could be problematic.

“But on a Saturday or Sunday, being able to align the draws of the NSW and Queensland Cup, makes sense and we are working on it.


“There’s not a lot of resistance to it. It’s just about aligning who is affiliated to which club and getting the draw to work.

“We’re receiving the co-operation that we need from both the NSWRL and QRL.”

Abdo said the NRL had spoken to host broadcasters Fox Sports and Nine about their mission to bring the stars of the future back into the schedule of an NRL game day.

“That’s what we’re working on,’’ Abdo said. “We want it broadcast, so we’re working with everyone, including Fox Sports and Nine, to see which games could be broadcast.

Fans could go to games and watch the likes of Andrew and Matty Johns coming through the grades.
“We’re working with the NSWRL and the QRL to try and optimise the draw so that when Penrith play, their reserve grade team and possibly under-20s are also playing before on the Saturday.

“We’re hoping to get up to 30 or 40 (lower grade) games this season to maximise that outcome for fans.

“There’s something in there for everyone. It’s much easier in NSW. In Queensland it’s a bit trickier because the Broncos, Cowboys and Titans are aligned with Queensland Cup clubs, but it’s not impossible and we’re working on it.

“There’s not a lot of resistance to it.’’

Some of the game’s most gifted players, including Arthur Beetson, Graham Eadie, Phil Blake, Des Hasler, Andrew Johns, David Peachey and Mat Rogers, had already developed a fan following in the lower grades long before they made their first grade or NRL debuts.

V’landys, as evidenced by his polarising rule changes, has made no secret of his desire to return the game to the fans.

He said fans would be excited to be able to watch the game’s next generation of players.

“It’s very important that there is vertical integration to get into the NRL, like it used to be, which is the under-21s, into reserve grade, into first grade,’’ V’landys said.

“You only need to look at these Facebook forums where they put the teams up from years gone by to see all the players that were in the under-21s and reserve grade that ended up in first grade.

“To me it’s a priority. We have to look at it. Obviously, like anything, when you want to make a change there’s resistance, but Andrew is talking to the clubs about all those pros and cons.’’

https://www.dailytelegraph.com.au/s...s/news-story/2e0d97182795e6ca60ddec1981dd280c
If they want crowds wouldn't that help. Under 23 never had many but then the crowds came to watch the Reggie's then 1st. Bring back the biff as well.
 

muzby

Village Idiot
Staff member
Messages
45,708
Sorry I’m going to jump back on my soapbox about the lower grade players being a roadblock to the idea..

Not directed you, @BLM01 but more at @petervlandys

Having 3 grades worked for many a year before the NRL..

Back when there was less money in the game, and players arguably had more important “other jobs” vs what they can earn for league..

Even in local comps, they play a full day through with lower grades playing at times when they could be earning $$ flipping burgers at Maccas..

If you’re privileged enough to be talented enough to play footy at a level just 1 or 2 grades away from the top grade, you find a way to build that footy career..

Plenty of blokes have done it.. And still do it..

At times, the call needs to be made between the career on the field vs off field ..

And again, plenty of blokes have done it before..


Hell, wasn’t the whole concept of rugby league born out of rugby Union players having their off field incomes being hampered by what happened on field?
 

BLM01

First Grade
Messages
8,944
Whilst I would normally say the top echelon of league worrying about issues like that would be the tail wagging the dog, it really feels with the power the NRL have (combined with the added benefit it would bring to the game as a whole) it really is the fleas wagging the tail to wag the dog..


When & where exactly are the lower grades playing at the moment that allow the players to also fulfil their shifts at McDonalds? It feels like in your argument they are playing the games on a Monday or Tuesday....

The NRL have the power to move it. If it’s good for the game as a whole, they have the ability to do it.
I agree they should but it will only at best be 1 or 2 games a week which is a bit of a fizzer
I will say it again.
ATM Lower grades play in some cases different venues and in some cases different days all 3 of them
Some clubs dont even have a reserve grade or Jersey Flegg side. Some reserve grade sides play in a Brisbane comp, up to 2,000 km's from their 1st grade squad.
Cronulla reggies is Newtown, Canberra is Mt Pritchard, Manly is Blacktown, Roosters is Norths etc etc. It is all over the shop ATM.

It is about the NRL saying to achieve 3 grades in one day all games would have to be on a Sat / Sun which i agree should happen and can be done.(and they would have to travel together) ...but it wont because of those TV people that prop up the game with their now billions want to entertain people on prine TV timeslots (weeknights) and so do the major sponsors want their advertisements then as well.

I wish it went back to part time like it used to be, get rid of the professionalism and the soaring money thrown at 1 grade.

So we tell the TV stations we dont want your billions or Telstra and say we will run the game our way and have 3 grades on a Sat and Sunday and you telecast 1st grade on those days at 8 different venues around the country and NZ.
But the NRL will have to fund the extra travel costs and to help clubs run 3 teams together as half clubs cant make ends meet already with 1 team

But did you not say these lower grades were not school kids..(even though some are) so why would any of them have shifts at Maccas flipping burgers as most of those flippers are school kids or full time studying.
Most Under 21's and reserve grade players would likely be working full or part time time + some studying Mon-Fri so games on those days wont work for them or will be difficult as NRL have said.
 
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muzby

Village Idiot
Staff member
Messages
45,708
I agree they should but it will only at best be 1 or 2 games a week which is a bit of a fizzer
I will say it again.
ATM Lower grades play in some cases different venues and in some cases different days all 3 of them
Some clubs dont even have a reserve grade or Jersey Flegg side. Some reserve grade sides play in a Brisbane comp, up to 2,000 km's from their 1st grade squad.
Cronulla reggies is Newtown, Canberra is Mt Pritchard, Manly is Blacktown, Roosters is Norths etc etc. It is all over the shop ATM.

It is about the NRL saying to achieve 3 grades in one day all games would have to be on a Sat / Sun which i agree should happen and can be done.(and they would have to travel together) ...but it wont because of those TV people that prop up the game with their now billions want to entertain people on prine TV timeslots (weeknights) and so do the major sponsors want their advertisements then as well.

I wish it went back to part time like it used to be, get rid of the professionalism and the soaring money thrown at 1 grade.

So we tell the TV stations we dont want your billions or Telstra and say we will run the game our way and have 3 grades on a Sat and Sunday and you telecast 1st grade on those days at 8 different venues around the country and NZ.
But the NRL will have to fund the extra travel costs and to help clubs run 3 teams together as half clubs cant make ends meet already with 1 team

But did you not say these lower grades were not school kids..(even though some are) so why would any of them have shifts at Maccas flipping burgers as most of those flippers are school kids or full time studying.
Most Under 21's and reserve grade players would likely be working full or part time time + some studying Mon-Fri so games on those days wont work for them or will be difficult as NRL have said.
I see...

You seem to be really hung up on the juniors..

What is your solution in all of this? Particularly with the logistical issues you’ve highlighted for the current competitions..

(You also need to take into account we previously had a 16 team international competition that functioned perfectly well across 3 grades despite less money than presently available in the current environment)


I’m keen to hear the solution..
 

possm

Coach
Messages
15,587
I agree they should but it will only at best be 1 or 2 games a week which is a bit of a fizzer
I will say it again.
ATM Lower grades play in some cases different venues and in some cases different days all 3 of them
Some clubs dont even have a reserve grade or Jersey Flegg side. Some reserve grade sides play in a Brisbane comp, up to 2,000 km's from their 1st grade squad.
Cronulla reggies is Newtown, Canberra is Mt Pritchard, Manly is Blacktown, Roosters is Norths etc etc. It is all over the shop ATM.

It is about the NRL saying to achieve 3 grades in one day all games would have to be on a Sat / Sun which i agree should happen and can be done.(and they would have to travel together) ...but it wont because of those TV people that prop up the game with their now billions want to entertain people on prine TV timeslots (weeknights) and so do the major sponsors want their advertisements then as well.

I wish it went back to part time like it used to be, get rid of the professionalism and the soaring money thrown at 1 grade.

So we tell the TV stations we dont want your billions or Telstra and say we will run the game our way and have 3 grades on a Sat and Sunday and you telecast 1st grade on those days at 8 different venues around the country and NZ.
But the NRL will have to fund the extra travel costs and to help clubs run 3 teams together as half clubs cant make ends meet already with 1 team

But did you not say these lower grades were not school kids..(even though some are) so why would any of them have shifts at Maccas flipping burgers as most of those flippers are school kids or full time studying.
Most Under 21's and reserve grade players would likely be working full or part time time + some studying Mon-Fri so games on those days wont work for them or will be difficult as NRL have said.
Yes it is a Mess mainly because some clubs want to do things on the cheap. Make it so that if a club wants an NRL licence, then they must field 3 grades each week.

Go back to letting the State competitions be a separate entity made up of lower grade teams. More opportunity for local players to make their way into any reserve grade side in their State.

The current system is a dogs breakfast and only serves Clubs that do not want to spend dollars on junior development.
 

BLM01

First Grade
Messages
8,944
I see...

You seem to be really hung up on the juniors..

What is your solution in all of this? Particularly with the logistical issues you’ve highlighted for the current competitions..

(You also need to take into account we previously had a 16 team international competition that functioned perfectly well across 3 grades despite less money than presently available in the current environment)

I’m keen to hear the solution..
I’m not hung up on juniors
it’s called lower grades which are not necessarily juniors.
There is no solution except cut full time professionalism and the money thrown at the Elite level
Club and NRL funding more evenly dispersed through the grades with obviously a little bit more for first grade to pay higher part time wages etc
You will only ever now get these teasing compromises like It’ll work for 1 or 2 games that they select on a Saturday or Sunday

You tell me where and when you last saw 3 grades for both teams on the one day, same venue following each other in an 16 team “international” competition

Don’t ever remember Warriors Nth Qld or Melb flying 3 sides every 2 weeks to play in the NRL at the same venue sane day.
Not even sure Brisbane and Gold Coast did it as well
I have to go back to the NSWRL maybe combined with the QRL running the game for that

The NRL can’t even hold 3 progressive grade games on grand final day any more.
They got a bring a reserve grade champion of champions game New South Wales versus Queensland and the women’s game to fill the time.

If you’re so sure it can be done under the current environment and was done you tell me your solution?
I really wish it could happen but I know it won’t especially across the 8 games in the current 16 teams with Fox and 9 paying and competing / sharing the rights and coverage
 
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