NRL considers Sunday preliminary finals for family-friendly scheduling, pending location and ratings evaluation.
NRL CEO Andrew Abdo has indicated that the league will explore the possibility of hosting a preliminary final on a Sunday. This concept, which was last implemented in 2005, could lead to a departure from the traditional Friday and Saturday night scheduling in favor of a family-friendly Sunday afternoon match.
The decision will likely hinge on the location of the game and the television ratings from the Sunday afternoon Week 1 qualifying final featuring the Canberra Raiders against the Brisbane Broncos. Abdo, in conversation with The Daily Telegraph, acknowledged this option as they aim for a distinct presence separate from the AFL while enhancing the experience for fans.
"We'll look at it all and assess it after this weekend," Abdo stated in the publication. "We're always looking at ways to improve."