That logic could be argued for the rematch earlier anyway
If they're put too close they do overshadow other things and detract from one another. You also have to consider obstacles like Easter, Anzac Day & Origin -- that's why I suggest Round 2 & 8 so there's a decent enough gap without pushing into Origin but each match is still recent enough in the fans' memories. By round 15 it's ancient history.
one or both clubs could well be 0-8, 1-7, 2-6 or similar and struggling for form.
That's true and for your worst case scenario they could be lopsided 0-8 -- or total failures at 0-0 -- that's my point.
If that trend continues and you've got your rematch in Round 13 onwards, what advantage do you get out of that match from a marketing perspective? Frankly, nothing. You've kind of pissed it away when they've either got no chance of making the 8 or it's going to be totally one sided. You've just killed it's marketing potential. And to be honest - we've seen the NRL do exactly that. It's a wasted opportunity.
By having it earlier in the season you minimise that risk. Remember 0-8 is better than 0-15.
I'd say at least 80% of the time in Round 8 or so you'd have have a second grand final replay match between two Top 8 teams when the Sharks vs Storm is still a meaningful match.
By Round 15 onwards we're thinking of that years contenders instead.
I wouldn't recommend it for any other match, but for the Grand Final Replays it makes more sense than the current system.
