Ricky Stuart worries NRL final scheduling may give Broncos an unfair advantage over Raiders.
Ricky Stuart has voiced concerns that the NRL could give the Broncos an "unbelievable advantage" if they don't schedule the Raiders' upcoming qualifying final against Brisbane for Sunday week. The Raiders will host the Dolphins in their last regular-season match this Sunday, having secured the minor premiership.
However, there looms a potential situation where they might have to compete against the Broncos just six days later, during the finals' opening weekend. This scenario would allow Brisbane a nine-day turnaround compared to Canberra's much shorter schedule. The NRL is expected to finalize the playoffs' schedule on Sunday, with the top eight teams confirmed prior to the last regular-season matchday.
Melbourne is set to kick off the finals series by hosting Canterbury on Friday night, but the timetable for the two Saturday games and the Sunday afternoon final is still uncertain. Given their top finish in the season, Stuart believes the Raiders should have the right to choose their qualifying final's day.