The NRL Wants To Split The Competition Into Two Conferences

The NRL looks set for a major, major shake-up.

According to the Sydney Morning Herald, huge expansion plans proposed by the sport's governing body could see the competition split into two conferences.

The bold long-term expansion proposal would also see new teams added in both Brisbane and New Zealand with the overall hope of maximising broadcast revenue for the game.

From the initial reports, it's understood the Sydney-based conference would consist of the Panthers, Roosters, Rabbitohs, Bulldogs, Eels, Tigers, Dragons, Sharks and Sea Eagles.

The other conference would house the Storm, Raiders, Knights, Broncos, Cowboys, Titans, Warriors and two new expansion teams.

PA

While the dual-conference project is still in the works and probably won't be happening anytime soon, reports suggest meetings have already began with NRL chairman Peter V'landys and chief executive Andrew Abdo floating the idea to the existing clubs.

Our good friends across the found adopted this framework years ago and it has worked a treat for them ever since.

Major American sports such as football, basketball, ice hockey and baseball all have a similar conference system which helps with both broadcast revenue as well as getting bums in seats at live games.

PA

And while the prospect of Australia copying America seems rather radical, one man that is onboard with the idea is rugby league legend and South Sydney Rabbitohs head coach Wayne Bennett.

"It's a great sale point," Bennett told The Sydney Morning Herald.

PA

"America does it in the Super Bowl. The biggest drawing final games we've had are when there are two Sydney teams. I went through it with the Dragons when we played the Tigers in the prelim. There was over 60 or 70,000 people there.

"The reality is the biggest crowds at finals times is when local teams play each other. They don't get crowds when you get Brisbane or Melbourne against a Sydney team."

But if there's one thing we can learn from the whole European Super League ordeal that dumped football on its head for 48 hours, it's that the NRL must consult the fans first.

Building up that early communication between the sporting body and the wider rugby league community will be vital in kicking this plan into action.

"The idea of the conference system is certainly worthy of open debate and discussion, and I would hope that the view of an important stakeholder - the fan - is viewed and considered," Fox League commentator Andrew Voss told SEN radio.

"Now is the time to have your say. The future of the game depends on it, the NRL needs you, the fan."

Topics: New Zealand, Wayne Bennett, nrl news, Rugby League, nrl, Australia

Max Sherry

Max Sherry is a journalist for SPORTbible Australia. After migrating Down Under from London as a teenager, he instantly fell in love with Aussie sport and its culture. From NRL to AFL, cricket to rugby — you name it, Max watches it (with a beer in hand, of course). During his time at Fox Sports, he worked in the football department covering the Premier League, A-League, Socceroos and Matildas. Born a stone's throw away from West Ham's training ground, Max is obviously a die-hard Liverpool fan.

@maxysherry