The change Parker would make to the NRL Finals

With the NRL considering changes to its finals series once again, Corey Parker has named the change he would make to it.

With the expected expansion up to 20 teams by 2029, it’s been proposed that the system will grow to 10 teams. The AFL has adopted this model for its finals series, which now sees its top 10 sides compete for the premiership cup.

This sees the final system extend for an additional week, providing two extra games with 7th vs 10th and 8th playing 9th for the last two spots.

That would likely come into effect during the 2027 or 2028 season.

However, Parker thinks it has the ability to dilute the quality of finals.

“So over half of the competition will be playing said finals,” Parker said on SENQ Breakfast.

“For me, I don't enjoy that.”

Instead, the former Queensland and Australian representative believes that the competition does need to add an extra week into the final series.

“What I do need to see and I think has to happen, is a week off before the Grand Final,” he continued.

“Now, how they factor that in I'm not so sure.

“But I mean imagine being Connor Watson (and) being ruled out of a Grand Final for a HIA that happened a week before.

“So, I'd like to see that over a week off over a wildcard.”

Whilst the NRL and NRLW seasons are over for 2026, the Rugby League action continues on SEN with live commentary of the Rugby League World Cup across our radio network and on the SEN app.