NRL Eyes World Cup Format to Revamp Grand Final Weekend

WHO:

Nine.com.au - NRL, Broncos, Bulldogs, Warriors, Aaron Warburton, Peter V’landys, Cameron George

Fox Sports - Peter V’landys, South Sydney, Roosters, Broncos

WHAT:

Nine.com.au - The NRL is considering adding a third-place play-off, an under-21s game, and an All-Stars game to the grand final weekend.

Nine.com.au - A third-place play-off game has been held at every World Cup since 1956, with England defeating France 6-4 in the most recent match.

Fox Sports - The NRL plans to launch a 'Global Round' to host matches in Asia, Europe, and America.

Fox Sports - The NRL made a $2 million profit from the previous year's season opener in Las Vegas.

Fox Sports - The NRL is considering hosting two games in 2028 in different countries.

WHERE:

Nine.com.au - The grand final weekend is set to take place in Australia.

Fox Sports - Potential locations for Global Round include Las Vegas, Hong Kong, Japan, and England.

WHEN:

Nine.com.au - The grand final is scheduled for Sunday, October 4.

Fox Sports - Global Round is planned for 2028, with discussions about possibly starting in 2027.

Fox Sports - The annual Koori Knockout tournament is scheduled to begin from October 2.

WHY:

Nine.com.au - The ideas for additional matches were inspired by the FIFA World Cup.

Fox Sports - Peter V’landys aims to take the sport to a global audience and provide more content for fans and broadcasters.

HOW:

Nine.com.au - Prizemoney could be offered as an incentive for teams to compete in the third-place play-off.

Fox Sports - The NRL is finalizing a record $5.3 billion broadcast rights deal, which has delayed the launch of Global Round.

(UPDATED August 9, 2026 07:17 UTC)

The NRL is considering an exciting expansion for its grand final weekend, potentially adding a third-place play-off, an under-21s game, and an All-Stars match, inspired by the FIFA World Cup. Meanwhile, the league is planning to launch a 'Global Round' to host matches in various international locations, including Las Vegas and Japan, with discussions about starting as early as 2027. The grand final is set for Sunday, October 4, and the NRL is also finalizing a record $5.3 billion broadcast rights deal, which has delayed the Global Round's launch.