I recently read an old Andrew Voss column in Big League where he talks of extending the season and playing rep games mid week culminating in test series after origin. It has merit. Sean Fagan also posted this article as his opinion of how the rep calender should look.
If I was to have my say......
Id like to include a bigger representative 'month' that showcases international rugby league, as well as highlighting the NRL and uses this break to play the origin series over 3 consecutive Monday Nights. Similar to soccer's approach to World Cup qualifying, or the NBA's approach to its mid year 'All Star' match. The competition proper simply shuts down and to avoid having a too many players with 3/4 weeks off - we incorporate some more games into a celebration of league including some old traditions and some new, successful initiatives.
This suggestion also responds to the issue of a season too long and subsequent meaningless matches at the beginning of the year. Many league supporters know that teams only need to start winning around July to make the top 8 and this takes away from some performances in early rounds. Shorten the season and every match will mean something - bigger crowds will come.
So - to my suggestion....
week 1
Friday Night - Tonga v Samoa
What a spectacle in 2009 during the Rugby League World Cup!! A passionate game of football attended by a huge crowd at Penrith's CUA stadium. This was an instant success.
Saturday Night - City v Country
Play this game as a genuine showpiece of young talent in the NRL, but also use it to gauge players' performance against the best in NSW. This still makes it an origin trial - but for future series.
Monday Night - Origin 1
week 2
Friday Night - Indigenous All Stars v New Zealand.
This gives both teams more time together as preparation for their respective 'other' matches. The Indigenous team now have the February All-Star' game as a highlight, and NZ will use this match as a warm up to a possible post origin series (or one off test) or end of year tri nations, which probably should be held every 2 or 3 years - not every year. Admitteldy, the Indigenous team would be missing troops on origin duty, but this puts more onus on development. A great opportunity for young talent to learn at a higher level and a good earner for a worthy charity. This match could also be moved to Saturday or Sunday to accommodate for the large number of interstate and rural league fans in attendance.
Saturday Day/Night - Rugby League 7s tournament.
With a number of players who could be 'on holidays' during this month, include them in the 7s and bring back an entertaining concept. Marketed well, this could be a highlight.
Monday Night- Origin 2
Week 3
Saturday night - NSW v QLD under 20s... with a Junior Rep Grand Final curtain raiser where Flegg and SG Ball Grand Finals are played.
This will add to the Rugby League "expo" approach and double as a scouting extravaganza for all clubs.
Sunday - Papua New Guinea v Australian Pri-Ministers 13
PNG are obviously mad for their footy and this game could be part of the rep calender, rather than at year's end. If played in PNG, the local fans might miss out on seeing some of the NRL's best, but this is not too far from current strategy.
Monday night - Origin 3
Following weekend - full round of matches.
This addresses the issues of player fatigue, players missing from games through rep duty and removes the need for byes as we would shorten the season by a couple of weeks. It also markets the jewel in the rugby league crown (SOO) as a stand alone event surrounded by a carnival of other league matches.
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