Captain Moondog
Absolute Superstar
Hope this happens...
David RiccoChief Sports Writer
Peter V’landys has a new mission for 2021 — to bring back all three grades.
The ARLC chairman and NRL chief executive 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 and under-21s matches, when 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.
NRL 2021: NRL push to bring back all three grades on game days
In a throwback to rugby league’s halcyon days of the 1980s and 1990s, the NRL is exploring the return of “all three grades” on some match days this season.David RiccoChief Sports Writer
Peter V’landys has a new mission for 2021 — to bring back all three grades.
The ARLC chairman and NRL chief executive 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 and under-21s matches, when 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.