Draw, draft or draught beer? My NRL off-season ponderings
With the 2022 season done and dusted and Penrith yet again hoisting the trophy, most fans' minds turn off from rugby league for a…
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Fair warning, I am a Dragons fan.
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Apologies, I don’t understand the SOO reference, but I think this is actually fairer than the current draw. More complex for sure, but fairer.
A draw full of possibilities
1. It is not an unfair model under this system. The top 8 teams aren’t penalised for making the top 8 conference, they are rewarded by guaranteeing a shot at finals. It becomes a test of where they rank with the best and gives them the ability adjust ahead of finals.
1&2. Under this model the bottom teams will still get to play the top 8 teams once. They also have a better chance to play in the play off’s as well with 10 teams involved. Less games against the the top 4 is better for their ability to win games against similarly placed teams which can become even more significant at the end of the season. The additional points on offer means it is less likely for a teams season to be completely over as well.
A draw full of possibilities
Precisely, that’s why I am proposing more games between the better teams, rather than doubling up games between the top 4 and bottom 4. More games between the worse teams will also mean less games over in 15 minutes, and when games are close they are more entertaining and resulting in more viewers or better game attendance.
A draw full of possibilities
I don’t think the NRL can accept such a reduction in games and revenue. The premise of the article is more about maximising quality games than making the draw fair. Adding more teams at the moment will not necessarily make more quality games.
A draw full of possibilities
This may work, but I can’t see the NRL growing to 24 teams any time soon and I don’t see a scenario where the NRL or players association could accept less revenue for a change they have implemented.
A draw full of possibilities
I 100% agree with that. But is this possible anymore without cutting teams? People don’t like that idea, unless you add the Bears back in.
A draw full of possibilities
Origin may have to be arranged around the season for this to work best, but ultimately Origin will disadvantage the best teams which benefit from Origin quality players the rest of the season, no different to how it works now.
Not sure two conferences based on last year standings is too different to what happens indirectly at the moment and not sure if it doesn’t punish better performing teams. Will that promote tanking?
A draw full of possibilities
I agree. I think that would devalue International footy significantly, which we should be promoting.
A draw full of possibilities
Hi Paul,
I disagree. I think playing each team just once just reduces the sample size, rather than promoting the 3 points referenced.
I am not sure how you can replace up to 6o odd games from the 8 rounds which would be removed with rep footy. By that logic, yes there will be a significant reduction in revenue which I don’t think could be a good thing.
Yes, conferences can’t ever be 100% equal, but neither is the current system. I feel it is important to point out that this is not a traditional conference system either. I believe this gives the best teams reward for being the best, whilst also still giving more opportunities for teams to make finals despite any perceived unfairness of the draw.
Ultimately I like the idea this system will guarantee getting more games with the best teams and ensure the best teams at the end of the season play finals.
A draw full of possibilities
Do you think the draw can play a part in this? Won’t solve the problem, but could be done differently?
Of horizontal finance, sand gropers and the paranoid android: Equalising the NRL
Well actually, that is a fully intended consequence and the premise of this system. It makes it more likely the better preforming teams make the finals and gives more theatre and drama to the closing stages.
Your alternative proposal is very similar to mine, except that it punishes teams that performed well last season, particularly those on the fringe, rather than rewarding teams performing well this season.
A draw full of possibilities
That would be a 30% reduction in games and would slash the NRLs revenue. Not sure how much the NRL gets from test matches. What don’t you like about conferences?
A draw full of possibilities
Great minds, I guess
Of horizontal finance, sand gropers and the paranoid android: Equalising the NRL
I wonder if the NRL and clubs can’t get together to fund a Strategy firm such as PWC to analyze each club and how it runs. Might give the poorer performing clubs the direction and ammunition to make change. The NRL may have to enforce some of the recommendations though, to avoid it being just another report on the scrap heap.
Of horizontal finance, sand gropers and the paranoid android: Equalising the NRL
If I had to keep brooks in the team I would play him at 6 and Hastings at 7. Like the Titans did with Taylor, allow him to just play his natural game. Doesn’t seem up to taking control of a team and making the right decisions.
Hasting 7, Doueihi 6 would be better though. Spend brooks money elsewhere.
The Wests Tigers' spine conundrum
The chip and chase is one of the most underrated skills in rugby league, should be used more.
What would a hybrid of NRL and AFL look like?
Yeah, so with the ability for a few players to move ahead of the ball (could increase from 2 to make it more interesting) it will give more options than just hitting the ball up in order to make metres which can open the game up and make it less predictable.
The limit of those players though will still make it appealing to run with the ball and the backwards passing will help retain the best parts of the league game which I think is the slick ball movement. Defensive teams may drop off more players to protect the kick which will give more space to run, or vice versa.
The powerful runners will also then have more space to run into if the kick is shutdown, or the play can move on really quickly like it does in the AFL if the kick is successful. Counter-attack from intercepts will be also be a positive feature.
What would a hybrid of NRL and AFL look like?
He would have got a lot fewer super coach points though
What would a hybrid of NRL and AFL look like?
If that’s what the people want to see, sure, why not?
What would a hybrid of NRL and AFL look like?
Would certainly be interesting to see how he would go. I wouldn’t want to tackle Paulo, that’s for sure.
What would a hybrid of NRL and AFL look like?
I’m torn on golden point as a concept, but it is capitalising on a lucrative market which is at the centre of my point. When games are close, more people are watching and the NRL/broadcasters wanted to maximise/extend that. But it relies on the game already being close.
This draw framework attempts to create more close games. Whether GP is there or not, that will mean more viewers/better attendance.
A draw full of possibilities