Short Sharks turnaround sends NRL into Townsville heat
The NRL is set to be forced into playing an elimination final in the Townsville heat, with Cronulla’s short turnaround leaving officials’ hands tied.
League bosses will confirm details of the opening week of finals on Sunday night, with much dictated by Cronulla’s schedule.
The fact the Sharks faced Manly on Sunday in the final round meant they cannot open the finals series on Friday night against Melbourne.
That will leave three-time defending premiers Penrith to have that honour, in a Friday night showdown against the Sydney Roosters.
Cronulla will then travel to Melbourne to face the Storm on Saturday, allowing the Sharks a six-day turnaround into the qualifying final.
Elimination finals will then fall into line beyond that.
Manly and Canterbury must play on the Saturday night in the interest of fairness, given the winner of that will face either Penrith or the Roosters in week two.
And in turn, North Queensland will host their elimination final on the Sunday, against either the Dolphins or Newcastle.
Temperatures of 28 degrees are anticipated next Sunday in Townsville, where the NRL traditionally avoids day matches during the hotter months.
That should provide some advantage to the Cowboys, who have grown accustomed to playing in hot and humid conditions.
“Those conditions favour whoever holds the ball,” Cowboys coach Todd Payten said.
“It becomes really difficult if you turn possession over cheaply and have to tackle too often.
“We have a little bit of an advantage because we have some experience in it. But that won’t matter if you turn the ball over.
“We’re a better team in Townsville, there is no doubt. I’m really excited and looking forward to it.”
The Cowboys booked a $60,000 chartered flight out of Sydney on Saturday night following their win over the Bulldogs, giving them an extra day of preparation.
“It comes at a fair expense, but it gives us an extra day at home with the families,” Payten said.
“We don’t waste a full day with travel. We would have got home at 4.30pm or 5pm (Sunday) if things were on time.
“(Instead) it (gave) the coaches a chance to get the review done on Saturday night.
“The players have a rest day Sunday and come in on Monday. It all counts.”
The scheduling of the opening week of finals is also likely to mean the NRL avoids a clash with the AFL grand final in week three in Melbourne.
Assuming the NRL takes the most straightforward approach to avoid short turnarounds, the Storm will likely host on the Friday night in week three if they beat Cronulla next week.
That match would be played on a public holiday in Melbourne due to the AFL grand final, and avoid the NRL being pitted against Aussie Rules just hours after their decider ends.
PREDICTED NRL FINALS WEEK ONE SCHEDULE
QUALIFYING FINALS:
Friday night: Penrith v Sydney Roosters at BlueBet Stadium
Saturday: Melbourne v Cronulla at AAMI Park
ELIMINATION FINALS:
Saturday night: Canterbury v Manly at Accor Stadium/4 Pines Park
Sunday: North Queensland v Dolphins/Newcastle at Queensland Country Bank Stadium
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