A story so exclusive it may not even have happened... yet.
A source close to the NRL has revealed to The Blind Mole that the wheels are in motion for a proposed 16-team finals series in the 2010 NRL season. The radical move would see every team in the competition qualify for the end-of-year play-offs with the possible exception of the wooden spooners, who would be forced to play a sudden-death eliminator against the premiership-winning Toyota Cup Under 20s side for the coveted 16th place.
It is believed the NRL view such a format as a way to significantly increase gate takings and merchandise revenue by maintaining the interest of fans of all clubs throughout the entire season. However plans for all 16 teams to contest the grand final on one field at the same time have been scrapped due to unidentified logistical problems.
The informant confirms that although the current controversial McIntyre finals system would need to be altered, fans may hardly notice the subtle transition. The only real differences would be the addition of extra teams, extra matches, extra weeks and extra flaws.
Any concerns top teams might have about the lack of benefits of finishing high on the regular season ladder will be allayed by the reward of playing all their finals matches at their home ground, as long as their home ground is ANZ Stadium.
It is unclear at this stage whether or not all clubs would be in favour of the new format. A spokesperson for the Wests Tigers, however, was quick to guarantee that the struggling club would absolutely support anything that allowed them to break their potentially never-ending finals hiatus.
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