Every year, when I watch the NRL grand final, I’m always left wanting a bit more out of the experience. I think its great that they televise the NSW Cup and Toyota Cup finals, as this helps to promote two great competitions and showcases grass-roots as well as up and coming rugby league stars.
However I’m not so naive to think that interest in these games is limited.
Obviously there could also be much improvement in the pre-game entertainment, incorporating Australian and big-name acts.
But I thought it would be great to see a sort of ‘bronze medal match’ between the losers of the two semi finals.
There are several reasons for this. Firstly, it would increase demand for tickets as fans of the these two teams would love to see them go around the park one more time before the off-season.
It would provide a great opening match for the day getting long-time fans switching on for the third place match, then sticking around for the NSW Cup and TC finals.
It would also lengthen the event, providing more opportunity for TV ratings; with the move to night games, it gives people an opportunity to ‘make a day of it’, having the chance to put on a BBQ like the old days while still being able to watch some first grade footy.
It would provide these teams’ players with one last chance to plead their case for Test selection; and, most importantly, puts on more top grade rugby league for all to see.
Obviously there would be downsides as well. Some may feel like this cheapens the actual grand final, but I think if it was played much earlier in the day, then this would avoid this problem.
What do you think?
Epiquin
Guest
Thanks for the feedback guys. This is my first article here on the roar and it's good to generate some discussion (though it is a bit one sided haha). I did like Dell's idea that the nsw/qld cup winners play off. Could start a new tradition of interstate rivalry.
Karlos
Guest
Dumb. Do you think any of the players could get up after flopping out of the big one?
Cugel
Roar Rookie
You'd need to have something hanging on it. Premier gets 3 competition points to start the following season, minor premier gets 2, 3rd place gets one.
DELL
Guest
What would be good is if the winners of the NSW Cup played the winners of the Qld Cup as curtain raiser to GF - instead of the NSWRL decider being played on the game's biggest day. it's the national rugby league now why hasn't that happend earlier? - you could've had Canterbury Bulldogs reserves v Northern Pride (Cowboys reserves).
Ken
Guest
Nah can't see it for the reasons above plus where does the player's motivation come from? These teams 1 week earlier were playing major semi finals believing they could be holding the trophy in 7 days. They want to be drowning their sorrows and taking some time off before the rep season/off season training, not coming back for a GF warm up game.
lopati
Guest
Apart from the comments that fans and players alike would not put much effort into it, it would actually compete for audience with the Toyota / NSW Cup matches - one or both of those would be bound to loose out to make room for the 3/4 playoff.
LT80
Roar Pro
I don't have any interest in watching a playoff for 3rd place, personally. The premiership is the main game....who care's which team comes 3rd? Do you think the players and clubs would actually care about it? They might if there was some prize money up for grabs, but how does this game generate any extra revenue to justify giving prize money?
sheek
Guest
Epiquin, I reckon after 22 odd home & away grueling matches plus a finals series of perhaps one to four more matches each, the NRL clubs couldn't care less about your short attention span & need for more adrenalin rush. As if they haven't already provided you & the TV stations with enough entertainment for the season. 3rd/4th place play-off is barely tolerated in the various world cups. I'm sure it's the last things players want after a grueling season. The highest placed (from H & A) semi-final loser is the bronze medalist. I reckon that's what the clubs & players will tell you as they head off for their end of season bash.....