NRL to double down on fixture cramming for NSW rivals


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Yet there is unlikely to be a change to the pattern under the next broadcast cycle as the NRL seizes more control of its scheduling.


The unusual concept has supporters in clubland, who can leverage the front loading of the draw against some of their fiercest rivals to generate extra commercial opportunities and boost TV ratings.


Bitter rivals St George Illawarra and Cronulla met twice in the first six rounds while the Roosters and Bulldogs won’t see each other for the rest of the season – unless they clash in the finals – after the tricolours won both their fixtures this year before the end of round seven.


The Roosters and Rabbitohs typically used to open and close the season with clashes in the first and final rounds, but often the second fixture didn’t drum up the same level of interest if one side was out of the finals picture.


Instead, the cramming of all-NSW games in the opening two months of the season will continue to be used alongside other engagement tactics such as double-headers and Magic Weekend, which will feature all eight NRL matches in one round being played at Brisbane’s Suncorp Stadium next year.


Article source: http://www.espncricinfo.com/ci/content/story/1141481.html?CMP=OTC-RSS

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