Wayne Bennett suggests NRL adopt a conference-based competition model

NRL coach Wayne Bennett has proposed restructuring the competition into a conference system. Speaking on Thursday, Bennett dismissed the current Wild Card round proposal, suggesting instead that the league divide teams into city and country conferences similar to the NFL. Under this model, Sydney clubs would play each other twice annually, with the potential for high-stakes playoff matchups between local teams. Bennett indicated that such a structure could increase revenue and fan interest by mirroring the appeal of major city-based rivalries during the finals. The coach noted that Australian Rugby League Commission chairman Peter V'landys has shown a willingness to pursue structural changes in the past. Bennett currently prepares his team for a Friday night match against the Sydney Roosters before they move into the finals series.

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