NRL chief executive Peter V'landys said the league is considering a World Cup-style format for the upcoming grand final week [1].
The proposed changes aim to transform the championship conclusion into a larger event, potentially increasing viewership and engagement by creating a festival-like atmosphere around the sport [1].
In an interview with Nine sport journalist Danny Weidler, V'landys said he has a vision to expand the scope of the finals period [1]. He said the league wants to showcase more high-quality football to the public, which could involve restructuring how the final week is presented [2].
One specific addition under consideration is the introduction of a third-place playoff [2]. V'landys said, "We're looking at adding a third-place playoff to give fans more high-quality football" [2]. Such a match would provide additional content for broadcasters and more playing time for athletes during the peak of the season.
Regarding the broader scale of the event, V'landys said a more expansive celebration of the game is imminent. He said, "A World Cup-style grand final week is very likely" [3]. This approach would likely mirror international tournaments by concentrating multiple events and festivities in a single location or timeframe to maximize impact.
Beyond the structural changes to the finals, V'landys discussed the current state of the league's expansion and talent acquisition. He specifically highlighted the recent signing spree of the PNG Chiefs [1]. The chief executive said these new signings would be a focal point for the league to showcase ahead of the competition [1].
The NRL has not yet released a finalized schedule for these proposed changes, but the focus remains on increasing the profile of the finals through these bold adjustments [1].
“"A World Cup-style grand final week is very likely."”
The move toward a 'World Cup-style' week suggests the NRL is shifting from a traditional sports playoff model toward a sports-entertainment hybrid. By introducing a third-place playoff and festival elements, the league is attempting to maximize commercial windows and broadcast inventory, while using the PNG Chiefs' growth to signal the league's international ambitions.
