The NRL's expansion is adding pressure to reconsider its finals structure, with the Perth Bears due to join next year and the PNG Chiefs the year after.
The competition will then have 18 teams, while a 20th club is expected within the next few years. A 10-team finals series could eventually follow.
Against that backdrop, ARL chair Peter V'landys is reportedly considering an NRL Wildcard Weekend, potentially from 2027.
The Daily Telegraph reports that V'landys is discussing the proposal with clubs.
The format would resemble the AFL's playoff round, introduced this year, where seventh played 10th and eighth faced ninth.
That change proved divisive among AFL fans, though the matches drew crowds to the MCG and added two finals-style games.
Under the proposed NRL system, Manly and Melbourne would have qualified this year after finishing ninth and 10th. Both recorded 11 wins and 13 losses.
Critics argue teams with losing records should not be rewarded with a finals chance. Some fans also want an end to changes to the rules and game.
Supporters see an extra round of compelling matches and a chance for the top six to rest. Others remain concerned about the added demands on players, as AFL fans adjust to the expanded finals.
The prospect of an NRL playoff round has therefore split opinion, despite its potential to generate extra revenue.