The Penrith Panthers are on the brink of securing their fourth minor premiership in seven seasons.
However, this high achievement raises questions about the implications of their strategy.
Momentum or rest? This dilemma becomes particularly salient when considering the Roosters, who will enter the finals with significant time off.
Reflecting on the recent conclusion of the regular season, I've come to see the potential benefits of introducing an NRL wildcard round.
This idea stems from the situation the Panthers find themselves in, where their pursuit of the minor premiership might have adverse consequences.
Trent Robinson's decision to rest key players against the Rabbitohs is well understood and justified.
The Roosters secured their spot in the top four and needed to avoid injuries and fatigue.
After difficult outings against the Tigers and Dolphins, it was a wise choice. Robinson's strategy highlights the challenges teams face when balancing short-term results with long-term performance in the finals.
Ultimately, this could create a disparity in competition leading into the playoffs, emphasizing the need for a more equitable format.