{"id":661325,"date":"2026-05-10T06:40:13","date_gmt":"2026-05-10T06:40:13","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.newsbeep.com\/au\/661325\/"},"modified":"2026-05-10T06:40:13","modified_gmt":"2026-05-10T06:40:13","slug":"nrl-holds-its-cards-close-on-post-season-wildcard-concept","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.newsbeep.com\/au\/661325\/","title":{"rendered":"NRL holds its cards close on post-season ‘wildcard’ concept"},"content":{"rendered":"


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The success of a play-in tournament after the regular season finishes, in which only four teams can compete for the final two spots in the playoffs in the NBA and NBL, as well as a cross-code rival AFL<\/a> implementing this concept for the first time this season, has NRL<\/a> fans wondering where the competition will create something similar for the finals come September.<\/p>\n

The AFL<\/a> created their new wildcard format this year, in which the top six teams advance directly to the finals.<\/p>\n

Meanwhile, sides seven through ten battle for the remaining berths.<\/p>\n

The NRL<\/a>, however, is unlikely to pursue a similar structure, according to The Daily Telegraph.<\/p>\n

League officials are currently wading through the considerable complexities of constructing next year’s draw with the additional team, and the introduction of extra post-season matches is not expected to form part of the solution.<\/p>\n

The logistical challenges of reshaping an 18-team competition appear to be consuming enough bandwidth without adding a wildcard round into the mix.<\/p>\n

The AFL’s new format has been positioned as a marquee broadcast product, injecting additional high-stakes football into the schedule before the finals properly get underway.<\/p>\n

It appears the NRL<\/a> will focus more on improving its scheduling rather than building an extension to its finals coverage.<\/p>\n


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