The undisputed genius of rugby league, Peter ‘The Man of Feathers’ of V’landys, has found the perfect solution for the Origin period that will satisfy both fans and broadcasters.
From 2028, the Witzer Pre-Season Challenge will be moved to between late May to early July as a replacement for the divisive split rounds.
The Witzer Mid-Season Challenge will take place every weekend before Origin. All 18 teams will play three games, with the top team to win the $100,000, although the confusing bonus points system will be scrapped, replaced by a Winning Bonus Point for scoring four tries and a Losing Bonus Point for losing by six points or less.
“This new competition not only means more NRL content for broadcasters, leading to a massive payday for our new broadcast deal, but it’s not attached to the NRL Telstra Premiership, so it doesn’t matter if Origin players are unavailable,” said V’landys. “And teams whose Telstra Premiership hopes are gone can have a decent crack at winning the Witzer Mid-Season Challenge.”
It also means the usual nine games each weekend will be kept, with no need for Origin byes.
“Broadcasters get their full slate of games, fans get to see their favourite teams and not worry about who’s in or out, and there’s a lot of money on the line. Everyone wins!” said V’landys.
