LeagueNews.co | Cooper McEnroe
The NRL has made a surprising change to the schedule for the preliminary finals, introducing a 48-hour gap between the two grand final qualifiers.
Traditionally, the semi-finals and preliminary finals take place on Friday and Saturday evenings during Weeks 2 and 3 of the finals. However, this year the NRL confirmed, prior to the first week of the finals, that the minor premier, the Canberra Raiders, requested a Sunday qualifying final. As a result, matches in Week 2 will now occur on Saturday and Sunday.
Furthermore, with the Melbourne Storm hosting one of the matches during the AFL grand final weekend, the NRL is keen to hold their preliminary final on Friday evening. This adjustment means the Raiders will face the Cronulla Sharks on a six-day turnaround during Week 2, allowing the winner of that match to compete against the Storm on Friday, September 26.
The importance of this matchup cannot be overstated, as it means the Raiders will face back-to-back six-day turnarounds if they emerge victorious. In contrast, the other preliminary final, which will be hosted by the Brisbane Broncos in Queensland, is set to take place against either the Canterbury Bulldogs or the Penrith Panthers. Originally scheduled for Saturday, September 27, the NRL has decided to create a clear schedule away from the AFL grand final, which may include the Brisbane Lions, and will instead hold this match on Sunday, September 28.