The NRL hopes Bulldogs finish top-two to avoid losing $4 million in finals revenue.
The NRL has 4 million reasons to hope the Bulldogs secure a top-two finish and host a qualifying final and potential semi-final or preliminary final in September.
That is the staggering amount of money the game's governing body could miss out on if Canberra and Melbourne remain first and second on the ladder.
When it comes to the finals, the NRL - not the clubs - collects the gate takings and money earned from hospitality. Clubs receive a small percentage from finals fixtures, but the main advantage is merchandise sales and the chance to play a big game in front of their own fans.