NRLW finals format under scrutiny as Roosters chase redemption
The NRLW Grand Final is set, and for the second consecutive year, it will feature the Sydney Roosters against the Brisbane Broncos. The Roosters have completed another undefeated regular season, mirroring their 2025 campaign, and now stand one game away from claiming the premiership. Their only loss in the past two seasons came in last year's Grand Final against Brisbane.
This scenario has prompted Roosters coach John Strange to raise a provocative question about the finals system. If his team loses again, having been flawless all season, should the structure reward regular-season dominance more effectively?
What is the current NRLW finals format?
Under the existing system, the top two teams receive a bye in the first week of finals. However, upon returning, they face a sudden-death preliminary final with no safety net. For a competition as short as the NRLW, where teams play limited games to establish their credentials, a single week off may not adequately compensate for a dominant season.
Strange's proposal for a new finals structure
Strange has suggested a four-team, three-week finals system. In this model, week one features 1v2 and 3v4. The winner of 1v2 advances directly to the Grand Final, while the loser gets a second chance by playing the winner of 3v4. This approach ensures the top-ranked teams retain an advantage even after a loss.
An alternative, a six-team McIntyre system, would offer double chances to the top four and allow more teams to compete for the title. While not new to rugby league, such a system would be a first for the NRLW. Both options aim to balance rewarding consistency with maintaining the drama of knockout football.
Why the debate matters for the NRLW's growth
The NRLW has become increasingly competitive. This season, Canberra and the Wests Tigers made finals for the first time, and unexpected results were common. Yet, the Grand Final features the same two teams as last year, highlighting a gap between regular-season unpredictability and finals outcomes.
Strange's perspective is unique. In 2021, his Roosters scraped into the finals and eliminated an undefeated Broncos side. Now, he coaches the undefeated team facing the same risk. He is not arguing from a position of grievance; his team is already in the Grand Final. Instead, he asks whether the system properly values a season of excellence.
Can the NRLW balance drama and fairness?
Knockout finals generate immense excitement because one game can change everything. However, there is discomfort in seeing a team that has been virtually flawless all season lose the premiership due to a single afternoon. The question is whether the competition should prioritize sudden-death drama or reward consistency, and if a middle ground exists.
As the NRLW continues to expand, this conversation is timely. The goal should not be to make it harder for the best teams to win, but to ensure the path to the premiership reflects the competition's values. For now, all eyes are on Roosters v Broncos again, with the potential for history to repeat.
If Brisbane wins, it will be another chapter in a compelling rivalry. But it may also prompt a larger discussion: if the best team can be beaten once and still finish without a trophy, is the finals system doing enough to reward what came before?