France and the Cook Islands are the only teams without a win at this World Cup, and Harry Grant says they need more chances to face elite opponents.
The Kangaroos hooker believes shortening the NRL season could create room for a stronger international calendar and help players prioritise Test commitments before discussing their futures.
"Maybe we could shorten the season, then you have a World Cup where everyone can play footy and you have your conversations off the back of that," Grant said.
He said a shorter schedule could also open representative windows for Origin and matches involving Australia, Samoa and Tonga.
Close to half of Kevin Walters' selected squad entered the final year of their contracts on November 1. With the Perth Bears joining in 2027 and the PNG Chiefs in 2028, clubs are seeking certainty over their rosters.
The Roosters' withdrawal of an extension offer to halfback Sam Walker after his Australian Test debut has fuelled speculation that Canberra five-eighth Ethan Strange and North Queensland halfback Tom Dearden could move to Easts.
Grant also wants smaller nations to play more often between World Cups. He questioned how many games France and the Cook Islands had played together since the 2022 tournament.
"I don't know how many games France or the Cook Islands get to play together since the last World Cup (in 2022)." Grant said.