The NRL’s idea for a third-placed playoff during grand final weekend is gaining some traction with ARL Commission chair Peter V’landys vowing to throw “massive prizemoney” to teams and players who take part.
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With the AFL season concluding the week prior, the NRL have clear air on grand final weekend. Given that and the fact there’s nothing scheduled for the Friday and Saturday before Sunday’s decider, V’landys has proposed a clash between the two losers of the preliminary finals to be introduced as early as this year.
“Last year in grand final week it was obvious to me that there was a gap, on Thursday night I didn’t know what to do, same on Friday and Saturday night,” V’landys told the SMH.
“I’m thinking to myself, ‘Why haven’t we got some rugby league on?’ and a third against fourth game is worth exploring.
“You have to be logical about it, and we wouldn’t do it without rewarding the players. You’d have massive prizemoney so they would benefit significantly and whatever money is made out of the game would go towards players and the clubs.
“My point as a sporting administrator is, why not take advantage of clean air? You’re probably going to get more viewers because there’s nothing else on, and to me that’s an idea worth exploring.”
As it stands, premiers are awarded $1 million with grand finalists given $400,000. Those figures would have to rise if prizemoney is splashed out to incentivise a third-placed playoff.
There is an obvious hurdle for V’landys and the NRL though.
The Rugby League Players Association CEO Clint Newton says he “highly doubts” they’ll support the third-placed playoff idea.
Additionally, a couple of players also had issues with the proposal.
“Honestly, if you lose, the boys probably want to get on Mad Monday. I don’t think it works,” Roosters star Mark Nawaqanitawase said, while Bulldogs forward Kurt Mann stated: “The likelihood of getting injured or something going on in those next games is pretty high.
“If there’s nothing in it for us, then it probably doesn’t need to happen.”
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WARRIORS’ INTERESTING MOVE TO BOLSTER PACK
The Warriors have announced the signing of versatile forward Sam McIntyre from the Cowboys on a two-year deal.
The 28-year-old will join the Warriors from the 2027 season in a move which will bolster the New Zealand-based side’s pack.
McIntyre has been a handy contributor for North Queensland since joining the club in 2024.
Warriors coach Andrew Webster worked with McIntyre briefly while an assistant coach at the Tigers when the pair were at the club together.
“Sam impressed with his toughness and the work ethic he had as he pushed towards his NRL debut,” Webster said via a club-issued statement.
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“He’ll provide great value to our squad as well as being a real help for the younger forwards on our roster.”
McIntyre will push for first grade minutes and given his ability to play prop, back row and even dummy-half, he’ll be a valuable tool for Webster in 2027 and 2028.
McIntyre has played 95 career games. He debuted in 2020 for the Tigers but has also played for the Titans and Cowboys.