The National Rugby League (NRL) is actively engaging with its clubs regarding the potential introduction of a Wildcard Weekend for the 2027 season, with discussions accelerating following the Australian Football League’s (AFL) successful implementation of the format this year.
Peter V’landys, executive chair of the Australian Rugby League Commission, has reportedly sought feedback from clubs as the league considers incorporating the Wildcard Weekend concept into next year’s draw. The move comes as the NRL prepares for a significant expansion, with the competition set to increase to 18 teams in 2027 with the addition of the Perth Bears. Further growth is planned with a 19th team from Papua New Guinea expected in 2028 and a 20th team likely to follow the subsequent season.
Wildcard Weekend, which allows two additional teams to compete in the finals series, was originally considered by the NRL nearly a decade ago but was shelved when half of the 16 teams qualified for the finals. The concept’s revival is fueled in part by the favourable response to the AFL’s recent adoption of the format. It is understood that broadcasters Fox Sports and the Nine Network have been kept informed of the discussions, reflecting the commercial significance of the proposed change.
Supporters of the expansion argue the Wildcard Weekend would increase competitive opportunities, citing teams such as Manly and Melbourne, who narrowly missed finals qualification this year, as potential beneficiaries. While a delay beyond 2027 is possible, sources indicate that any postponement would be limited to a single season, with the introduction of Wildcard Weekend now regarded as highly likely.
In a related development, negotiations around a proposed merger between the NRL and the Super League in England are nearing a critical decision point ahead of the upcoming World Cup. After months of discussions, English clubs are expected to make a final determination on the NRL’s $57 million offer shortly.
Incoming Parramatta chief executive Mike Rush, who previously led St Helens, has expressed strong support for aligning the northern and southern hemisphere competitions. Rush emphasized the growing global footprint of rugby league, notably in Papua New Guinea, Tonga, Samoa, Australia, New Zealand, and England, and highlighted the potential benefits of a unified approach to strengthen the international game.
“Any investment will be good because we need an aligned game,” Rush said. “We need to align all these to make sure that we get a decent international game because ultimately where is rugby union strong? It is strong internationally. So, any alignment that gets the competition stronger will help England get stronger, which will help both sides of the world have a better competition.”
A final decision on both the 2027 draw and the Super League negotiations is expected around the conclusion of the World Cup.