LeagueNews.co | Jason Patrick
The NRL has been cautioned that the trend of clubs resting players late in the season could be leveraged by potential broadcasters in negotiations for the forthcoming TV rights deal. This warning comes as significant changes are anticipated during the final weekend of the regular season.
Penrith's decision to rest 16 players for their matchup with Canterbury has notably diminished what was expected to be an exciting clash. Similarly, Melbourne Storm is opting to rest several players for their face-off with the Roosters, having nearly secured a top-two finish. The NRL currently lacks authority to stop teams from sidelining uninjured players, which may lead to more disruptions in the last week of the competition.
If the Warriors clinch a top-four spot this weekend, they plan to rest players for their final encounter against Manly, avoiding a taxing trip to Australia just before the finals. Likewise, if Canterbury solidifies a top-four position, they may give players a rest in their showdown with Cronulla. Canberra, likely to be minor premiers, may also choose to rest players before their match against the Dolphins in Brisbane.
The eighth-placed Roosters could also consider resting players in their final meeting with rivals South Sydney, depending on their confirmed finals position after this weekend. Such decisions could severely impact ticket sales, especially with the brewing tension surrounding the Brandon Smith situation in this heated rivalry.
Media analyst Steve Allen from Pearman Media emphasized that the absence of star players at a critical time could be detrimental to the NRL as it seeks to negotiate with broadcasters for the next TV rights deal slated for 2028. He expressed skepticism that adding a bye week before the finals, akin to the AFL's approach, would resolve the issue.
"The resting of players will probably be used as a negotiation technique (by prospective rights holders)," Allen stated in an interview with Yahoo Sport Australia. "Although there is the likelihood of a significant drop in audience ratings for the next two weekends - around minus 10 percent-plus - having a bye weekend might be a solid debate but it's (definite) lost ratings and potential lost revenue."
"No one will want that." Despite these challenges, NRL chief Peter V'landys remains optimistic that the upcoming broadcast deal will bring in nearly $3 billion for the game.