ARLC boss wants to wind back clock and reinstate bumper game days

PETER V’landys has a new mission for 2021 – to bring back all three grades.

The ARLC chairman and NRL CEO Andrew Abdo’s mandate to give the game back to the fans is set to continue with the return of reserve grade and under-21s games before NRL matches.

In a throwback to rugby league’s halcyon days of the 1980s and 1990s, when fans could follow the development of a rookie from the lower grades into a star of first grade, the NRL brains trust has been in talks with all 16 clubs about the return of “all three grades” this season.

The NRL is “down the track” with corresponding state leagues from the NSWRL and QRL on relaunching the model that will provide footy fans with the opportunity to watch three games inside the same stadium.

The NRL is acutely aware of the financial impact the model may have on some clubs, but believes that returning the lower grades to game day is viable. Saturday and Sunday match days have been identified as the most likely starting point for the return of the reserve grade under-21s matches, possible.

“The concept of having fans being able to see up-and-coming and younger talent in the feeder competitions, or even a superstar making their comeback from injury, we believe that is a great project for us to work on,’’ Abdo said.

“We play NRL matches on Thursday to Sunday and some and when of the logistic arrangements with aligning the draw with the NSW Cup and Queensland Cup on a Thursday or Friday night, due to a large majority of the players still working jobs, could be problematic.

“But on a Saturday or Sunday, being able to align the draws of the NSW and Queensland Cup, makes sense and we are working on it.

“There’s not a lot of resistance to it. It’s just about aligning who is affiliated to which club and the draw.

“We’re receiving the co-operation that we need from both the NSWRL and QRL.”

Abdo said the NRL had spoken to host broadcasters Fox Sports and Nine about their mission to bring the stars of the future back into the schedule of an game day.