The National Rugby League (NRL) has announced a revised schedule for its preliminary finals weekend, strategically avoiding a clash with the Australian Football League (AFL) Grand Final. This decision marks a significant shift in scheduling, as the NRL prepares for an unprecedented weekend where the preliminary finals will span across Friday and Sunday.
The Canberra Raiders will face the Cronulla Sharks in a crucial semi-final this Saturday, September 27, with the winner advancing to meet the Melbourne Storm in the preliminary final the following Friday night. This change means that the Raiders must navigate two consecutive six-day breaks if they progress, a challenging scenario following their recent narrow loss to the Brisbane Broncos.
Brisbane will host their preliminary final on Sunday afternoon instead of the traditional Saturday night slot. This adjustment aims to sidestep any potential conflicts with the AFL Grand Final, which is set to take place on Saturday, September 27, with the first bounce scheduled for 14:30 AEST.
Impact on Teams and Fans
The NRL’s decision to alter the schedule reflects a keen awareness of the fanbase and the broader sporting landscape. As noted by NRL 360 host Braith Anasta, the move to Sunday afternoon games has proven successful for the NRL during finals. Panelist Brent Read emphasized that recent matches, such as the Raiders versus Broncos game, have garnered substantial viewership, suggesting that the league’s strategy may be paying off.
This unique scheduling also provides the winning team from the preliminary final between the Storm and the Raiders or Sharks with a nine-day preparation period for the NRL Grand Final, set for Sunday, October 5, at 19:30 AEST. In contrast, the other finalist will have only seven days to prepare, potentially affecting their performance on the biggest stage.
Veteran NRL commentator Gorden Tallis weighed in on the implications of the scheduling change, acknowledging the advantage that comes with the extended preparation time. He questioned why the Storm could not play on Saturday, despite the AFL’s significant presence on that day. Fellow commentator Phil Rothfield echoed this sentiment, pointing out that Melbourne’s intense focus on the AFL Grand Final could overshadow the NRL.
Future Considerations for NRL
The scheduling of the NRL Grand Final has remained a topic of discussion among fans and analysts. Calls for the Grand Final to be held during the day, similar to the successful format used in the recent Broncos versus Raiders game, were quickly dismissed by NRL CEO Peter V’landys, who cited the greater television ratings associated with evening kick-offs. The NRL Grand Final has been held at night since 2013, and changing this tradition appears unlikely.
As the NRL navigates this pivotal moment in their finals series, the adjustments made to the schedule reflect a strategic approach to maximizing viewership while fostering a competitive environment for participating teams. The upcoming matches promise to engage fans and spotlight the growing popularity of rugby league, particularly in light of its distinctive scheduling.
With the finals heating up, the NRL anticipates an exciting end to the season, culminating in the Grand Final at Accor Stadium on October 5, 2025.
