LeagueNews.co | Cooper McEnroe
The NRL is set to implement a new finals format for the first time in 18 years, according to chief executive Andrew Abdo. He clarified that this change is not a rash decision but a plan that has been in development for two years. The preliminary final schedule remains undecided, especially in light of a possible matchup with the AFL grand final in Melbourne.
This shift will introduce a Sunday afternoon game in the second week of finals, a rarity since the Cowboys defeated the Warriors in 2007. Previously, day games had also seen the Wests Tigers triumph over the Broncos in 2005.
Although nighttime matches generally appeal to broadcasters, both Fox League and Channel 9 have supported the new earlier kick-off time. This adjustment could result in the loser of the upcoming Raiders-Broncos game facing either the Sharks or the Roosters.
The move comes shortly after the Raiders secured a Sunday game, addressing concerns that this top team might have to play on Saturday following a six-day recovery period after their round 27 loss to the Dolphins.
"A focus on being fan friendly (prompted the change) and we know that daytime football is very popular with families, so that was a factor," Abdo stated during the finals launch in Sydney. He emphasized that the new schedule also provides players with an extra day for recovery and turnaround. "To be fair, we've been talking about this for the last two years and have been thinking about ways we can get better and get focused on what works for the fans."