NRL playoffs plan sparks hot debate

The NRL has proposed a huge shakeup for NRL finals with a wildcard to be introduced.

The finals format would be a top 10 with the top six to get the first weekend of finals off.

Then seven would play 10, and eight would host nine for a chance to make the main draw of the finals.

Last year, the Raiders would have made the finals from 10th with a 10-win, 14-loss season, as well as the 12-12 Tigers.

The Dragons would have played the Raiders and Warriors would have taken on the Tigers with the top six getting a week off.

Speaking on NRL360, host Paul Kent and the Phil Rothfield — who broke the news — had a heated discussion about the move.

“I really like it. The idea is to stop having so many dead rubber games,” Rothfield said.

“This year there were 36 matches where there was nothing hanging on the result for some of the sides. What they’re trying to do is to get more people to the games, get more interest to the back end of the season.

“What I like is the fact it’s a huge advantage for the top six clubs. They get the first week off, they get to rest, rehab and get ready for the finals like they do in the AFL”

For Kent, he rallied against the idea, calling it a “gimmick”.

“I intensely dislike it. It just rewards mediocrity,” he said.

“Why should the Raiders who finished 10th on 22 points get a shot at the Dragons who finished seventh on 32 points to make the playoffs? I just don’t think they deserve it.

“I think we already have we have too many teams when the top eight in a 16-team competition make the playoffs. Now extend it to 10, more than 50 per cent, get a chance at the finals. The Raiders had 10 wins and a bye, they don’t deserve to be there.”