The ideal length of the NRL season according to RLPA CEO Clint Newton

The current length of the NRL season has continued to cause division in the rugby league community as the expanded schedule takes its toll on the game’s star players.

The 27-round regular season, including finals, has been heavily criticised by players and fans alike. Many of the games, especially during the midst of the season, were lacking in quality as the NRL’s elite looked to preserve their bodies for September.

Throwing in the preseason challenge, Origin and post-season internationals, the extended rugby league calendar is weighing significantly on the players and the calls for a shortened year continue to grow louder.

Rugby League Players Association CEO Clint Newton is leading the charge for a shorter campaign and revealed the number his organisation would like to see implemented.

“The stats that we’ve got over the last several years amongst our playing group is, it’s probably around that 22 mark,” Newton told SEN 1170 Afternoons.

“It all depends on the overall calendar and schedule people are asked to play, so when you look at the current schedule and you’ve got All Stars, trial competitions, Vegas, World Club Challenge, 27 rounds, Origin, Finals and an international series.

“I think everyone knows that is a lot and we know again statistically from our players that they believe a reduction in the number of matches they’re asked to play will produce better results for them either in career length, less injuries, better performance, better recovery time.

“Ultimately that produces a better quality for the fan, broadcasters and major partners.”

SEN 1170 Afternoons host Jimmy Smith admitted that the 22-round season was a perfect number for both players and broadcasters.

“I think that’s the exact number, I really do,” Smith added.

“19 (games) is too few, broadcasters are saying ‘Oh come on man you’re robbing us of so many games’. “22 is a really nice sweet spot.”