NRL’s plan to introduce radical new change by 2027 in shock finals twist

The NRL is expected to introduce a wildcard weekend to the finals in either 2027 and 2028 following the success of the concept in the AFL this year.

Clubs have been asked for feedback on the idea with CODE Sports reporting that the concept will be introduced in the next two years.

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There’s a chance it could be as early as next year to coincide with an 18th team (Perth) joining the competition.

The wildcard weekend would feature two games, 7th vs 10th and 8th vs 9th, to determine the last two spots in the top eight finals bracket.

It was used in the NRL in 1998, after the merger of the ARL and Super League created a 20-team competition. The ninth-placed Bulldogs made it all the way to the Grand Final but lost to the minor premiers Brisbane.

It’s a move that makes sense given the NRL are set to expand to 20 teams by the 2029 season.

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While it’s not guaranteed to be introduced in 2027, it’s all but certain to be part of the fixture from 2028 onwards.

The Chiefs will become the NRL’s 19th club in 2028 while a second New Zealand team or a fifth Queensland team are the two favourites to win the 20th licence.

The AFL, who have 18 teams, introduced wildcard finals this year with the 8th-placed Western Bulldogs and 10th-placed Carlton winning high-quality thrillers to book their place in the elimination finals.

It’s effectively an expansion to a 10-team finals series with the highest ranked wildcard winner becoming 7th in the current eight-team bracket, and the lowest ranked winner becoming 8th.