The NRL is the world’s superior rugby league competition but there is still many things that it can still learn from its English Super League cousin.
The game in the UK/France seems to have it nailed when it comes to tradition, derbies and game atmosphere.
Where the NRL have a gimmicky ‘heritage’ and ‘rivalry’ round, Super League just have authentic games which are jam-packed with rivalries and heritage.
One fantastic example is the Challenge Cup, which has been going since 1896.
Much like football’s FA Cup its a knock-out competition which includes over 90 teams from all levels of England, France and Russia, culminating in the annual Wembley final, which attracts huge crowds, TV audiences and media interest.
The NRL could borrow from our northern neighbours and turn the current haphazard trial season, into a fantastic pre-season Challenge Cup-style competition.
Each regional competition winner and runner-up from the previous season could play in the first three rounds.
These rounds would be geographically-based, getting wider every round and include teams from all Australian states, as well as New Zealand, Papua New Guinea and the Pacific Islands countries.
The winners of round three would then join regional pools of the the Queensland Cup, NSW Cup and New Zealand National Competition, along with the relevant NRL teams.
Another four knock-out rounds are played before the final.
The final could be shared between Sydney, Brisbane and Auckland and the whole competition from round one would be televised, supporting grassroots football, and adding a real exciting tradition to the NRL calendar.
Renegade
Guest
Great concept and something i've been advocating for a long time. There certainly is room for it if the season is scheduled properly. Here's some points on how it can be done. * 48 team Knockout Cup (includes all winners of state comps, NZ, country, regional, etc) * Start the Challenge cup in February with 32 teams from outside the NRL * Introduce the NRL teams into the tournament for the next 2 weeks of the pre-season (these 2 games replace pre-season trials) * The 40 knockout cup games played in the pre-season to be played across the country and in regional areas. * By the end of February (3 weeks of Knockout) there should be only 8 teams left. * NRL Season to commence in March with regular season to be played over 22 Rounds * Mid-Season Internationals on standalone weekends * Origin to stay mid-week however no NRL games in the week prior to origin. * Challenge Cup QFs to be played on the weekend before Origin 1 * Challenge Cup SFs to be played on the weekend before Origin 2 * Challenge Cup Final to be played on weekend before Origin 3 * Remainder of NRL season and Finals to be played as current. Benefits of this are: - No extra strain on the players. - NRL games and season is not diluted during origin as challenge cup will take place. - Pre-season games actually have some meaning and will generate more revenue through TV, crowds, etc. The negative is that teams that reach the finals of the knockout comp will not have their origin players. This is a negative however it opens up the chance for NRL teams that are struggling throughout the year or teams outside of the NRL to possibly have a fairytale cup win. Just the few points above show that if the concept was looked into at a detailed level, it can be done and will bring a whole new dimension to rugby league in Australia. The FA cup and Challenge Cup Finals are two of the most prestigious events in England. We have the best domestic rugby league comp in the world in Australia however the only thing we are missing out on is the Challenge Cup.
Ronald M
Guest
Fabulous idea however not, definitely not, and just in caase you haven't heart me NOT pre-season. Pre-Season trials have an important purpose and are not intended for public amusement / profit. If you try replacing pre-season trials with anything then you will just get pre pre-season trials. The other thing we have is Origin and the All Stars match. Now I would like to see the back of the All Stars game as it is a nothing game for me and simply exposes stars to injury before we even start. No advantage for clubs who are paying these stars, Origin is a different matter, no one in their right mind would get rid of that. Trouble is that we cannot schedule that properly now without disrupting the domestic comp. So the big question is - When would you hold a challenge cup comp ? It works in England because their season is longer and their league is smaller plus they are not adverse to playing games mid week (wednesdays) and then again at the weekend (kinda puts our players whinging in a bit of perspective). Their season has already started and they play a week longer into October than we do. So, great concept but how do you fit it in for the NRL clubs ?
Johnno
Guest
I want a challenge cup, panaonsic Austrlaia cup, but with state cup teams. NSW and QLD cup, NSW coutnry, QLD country, plus the best state tea, from the other states and local Canberra comp champion's. A knockout comp. A good 3rd-tier idea. Not a fan of an NRL knockout comp.
Adam Everitt
Roar Rookie
The Challenge Cup gives smaller clubs the opportunity to play against their heros and players they look up to. For what it is worth, as a British NRL fan I like the heritage round and would love to see our game's history celebrated for one round a year. I'd also like to see how a Magic Weekend-style event would be supported in Australia too. Give it a go.
Soccerlogic
Guest
Btw, too much league? Easy solution! MAKE IT A DRAW!!!! Play each team once and each year alternate home/away venues. The League will look less gimmicky and set an example for the AFL to follow.
Soccerlogic
Guest
Pre-season challenge cup? *facepalm* Needs to run during the season if it is to work. I think it culminate prior to the final state of origin.
mt.wellington
Guest
What really excites me is the prospect of players from regional competitions having a platform to showcase their talents and possibly gain a first grade contract. Every tournament has its stars that shine and for some this maybe the last chance saloon. Also a good way to promote a level of Rugby League that often doesn't get showcased yet is the engine room of the whole sport. Nothing but positives from where Im standing...
Football United
Guest
Absolutely should happen, the challenge cup is fantastic and one of the best things about Rugby League! I'd also take it the next step in saying that it should be played DURING the season and should be set up to include all the local teams in the early rounds before. People who complain that they already play to much, must not see the UK types who sometimes play their games twice a week and do fine, it's why you have such a big squad, to actually rotate players rather than the same every game.
bjt
Great concept and should be adopted in Australia. Of course the haters will hate, and there is one tradition that Australian league upholds, and that’s not trying new, interesting or even proven concepts (and staying loyal to the dictated terms of the Sydney clubs). An Australian Challenge Cup could be an excellent side product, help strengthen grass roots in developed regions and develop those in new regions, such as the AFL states. It would make things very appealing to see some of the QLD Cup teams take on the big boys and would generate interest for the sport. The semi-finals/final would be another revenue stream as well. Simply, it would be great for the sport of Rugby League. Now, what the haters will state: 1) The players play too much league, 2) There’s not enough money to support it, and 3) No one will be interested in it. All weak reasons that should not halt the growth of rugby league.
peeeko
Roar Guru
knockout cups are part of many sports including English Super league. most rugby comps in the Uk and France also have such cups as well as most European soccer leagues. i would like to see such a cup in the NRL like we used to have in the 70/80s but i see a lot of opposition from the players complaining about a season that is too long, however they seem to be able to get it to work in European league and rugby so they should be able to get it to work here as well.