NRL chief executive Peter V’landys says he is pitching an additional third-place play-off game for NRL teams during grand final week, offering players six-figure prizemoney to encourage participation. He argues that stronger financial rewards would make the extra fixture appealing to players and support a broader event schedule.
Across reports, the central point is that V’landys frames the proposal as a way to increase incentives and engagement around the end-of-season period. However, the Rugby League Players’ Association (RLPA) indicates opposition to the concept. The outlets note the dispute is focused on whether an extra match—on top of the existing finals structure—should be added and whether players would accept it, despite the proposed increases in prizemoney.
