The NRL could be about to make a major change to Grand Final week, with a controversial proposal to introduce a third-place playoff between the two teams that lose their preliminary finals.

The idea has been put forward by ARL Commission chairman Peter V’landys, who believes the NRL should take advantage of the extra attention available during Grand Final week.

Under the proposal, the two preliminary final losers would meet on either the Thursday, Friday or Saturday before the Grand Final.

And V’landys believes there is one major way to convince players and clubs to take part — money.

Massive prize money on the table

V’landys has indicated that the game would come with significant prize money, with the players and clubs benefiting from the money generated by the match.

The current NRL prize pool sees the premiers receive $1 million, while the losing Grand Finalists receive $400,000.

The NRL would need to increase the financial incentive if it wants clubs and players to take the proposed third-place match seriously.

V’landys believes the timing could also work in the NRL’s favour.

With the AFL season finishing the weekend before the NRL Grand Final, the league would have a clear sporting window to attract viewers.

The thinking is simple — if there is little other major sport on, why not put another NRL game on television?

Players aren’t convinced

The biggest problem could be getting the players on board.

The Rugby League Players Association has already expressed serious doubts about the proposal.

There are also concerns from players who believe that once a team has lost a preliminary final, the motivation to play another match would be extremely difficult to find.

Roosters star Mark Nawaqanitawase questioned whether players would really want another game after their premiership hopes had ended.

Bulldogs forward Kurt Mann also raised concerns about the possibility of injuries in a match that players may not see as essential.

And that could be the biggest issue facing the NRL.

Players have already gone through a long and physically demanding season. Asking two teams that have just missed out on a Grand Final to play again could create a difficult situation for clubs and coaches.

Would fans actually care?

This is where the proposal gets interesting.

From a television and entertainment perspective, another NRL game on Grand Final weekend makes sense.

But would fans treat it as a genuine event?

Imagine your team losing a preliminary final by a couple of points.

The following weekend, instead of preparing for the Grand Final, you’re being asked to watch them play another match that doesn’t determine the premiership.

Would supporters turn up?

Would players give it everything?

And would the game become little more than an exhibition match?

There is also the argument that finishing third isn’t really something rugby league traditionally celebrates.

The entire finals system is designed around one ultimate prize — winning the premiership.

The NRL has a decision to make

There is no doubt the NRL wants to continue growing the game and making Grand Final week a bigger event.

A third-place playoff could potentially provide another major television product, another opportunity for fans to attend a game and another source of revenue.

But the league needs to make sure it doesn’t come at the expense of player welfare or the importance of the premiership itself.

For now, the proposal is still being explored.

But if the NRL can come up with the right financial incentive and convince the players, we could see a third-place playoff as early as this year’s finals series.

What do you think?

Would you watch a third-place NRL playoff on Grand Final weekend?

👍 YES — give us another game

👎 NO — once you’re knocked out, the season is over

Let us know what you think.