Clubs resting players late in the season could affect TV rights negotiations, warns NRL.
The NRL has been cautioned that the trend of clubs resting players late in the season could be leveraged by potential broadcasters in negotiations for the forthcoming TV rights deal. This warning comes as significant changes are anticipated during the final weekend of the regular season.
Penrith's decision to rest 16 players for their matchup with Canterbury has notably diminished what was expected to be an exciting clash. Similarly, Melbourne Storm is opting to rest several players for their face-off with the Roosters, having nearly secured a top-two finish. The NRL currently lacks authority to stop teams from sidelining uninjured players, which may lead to more disruptions in the last week of the competition.
If the Warriors clinch a top-four spot this weekend, they plan to rest players for their final encounter against Manly, avoiding a taxing trip to Australia just before the finals. Likewise, if Canterbury solidifies a top-four position, they may give players a rest in their showdown with Cronulla. Canberra, likely to be minor premiers, may also choose to rest players before their match against the Dolphins in Brisbane.