In the lead-up to the biggest club game on the NRL calendar, here are some things rugby league needs to change.
Referees
The referees did not have a good year and were part of the reason for the NRL’s poor attendances.
It was not their fault as they’re doing what they’re told – one game being strict, the next being soft with penalties. They need to keep it the same all year round.
The Bunker also needs to be scaled back, as it slows down the game. They could bring in a captain’s call – but only one chance each half for each team – making that the only times to use The Bunker.
Bring back the Auckland Nines
This was an exciting comp at the start of the year, which got fans hyped for the NRL season, but they have now ended it.
The NRL did make a good announcement recently about the All Stars game, with the Indigenous to play the Maori next year, but the NRL needs the Nines back.
Expansion
We’ll have to wait until the broadcast deal ends in 2022 for an expansion, but before then, more games must be played in Perth, Adelaide, Wellington, Cairns, NSW Country, and Darwin. They could even try a round where every team goes to either WA, SA, NT or Tasmania.
Upon expansion, a team must play out of Perth, as we need a team in WA. The other team they bring in should either be PNG, Fiji, Wellington, Brisbane or Central Queensland (Rockhampton or Mackay).
Also, the NRL should relocate between two and four Sydney teams – probably the Dragons, Bulldogs, Tigers and Manly. The Wellington Dragons, Brisbane Bulldogs, Rockhampton Sea Eagles and West Coast Tigers sounds good.
Best of the best game
This game would see the best players in the NRL vs the best players in the Super League as a way too have some fun to end the year off.
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It was like a blast from the past with the Broncos not only dominating on the scoreboard, but shades of past legends.
He wasn't expecting it to get that messy.
Ricky Stuart would be pulling his hair out after a mistake like this.
It had all been going so well. Canberra were by far the better side for ten minutes, with Jamal Fogarty giving the Brisbane back…
Simi Sasagi couldn't believe his luck as he strolled straight past Jaiyden Hunt, who should have made a better attempt at a tackle.
In wet conditions, the Broncos were making it extremely tough for 18-year-old Chevy Stewart in just his second game.
