NRL 2028: Should the League Move to Conferences or Divisions?
With the NRL expanding to a 19-team league across three countries by 2028, discussions are underway to reorganize into four divisions. This proposal addresses existing challenges like lopsided draws and long travel distances, particularly as new teams in Perth and PNG are added. The suggested divisions focus on geographical convenience and sustaining traditional rivalries. Key changes include increasing fair scheduling, creating natural rivalries, and allowing better recovery times for teams. The model aims for a holistic improvement by leveraging existing sports league structures.
- NRL expansion to 19 teams across 3 countries by 2028 raises logistical concerns.
- Proposal includes 4 divisions based on geography and rivalries, enhancing fairness.
- Changes aim for better travel efficiency, scheduling parity, and stronger rivalries.
NRL 2028: Should the League Move to Conferences or Divisions?
Does the NRL Need Conferences or Divisions by 2028?
The NRL is staring down the barrel of a 19-team, three-country league by 2028 and the current system simply won’t hold. Fans already complain about the lopsided draw and strength-of-schedule mysteries, and with the addition of teams in Perth and PNG, the logistics are about to get even tougher.
On the Ahead of the Game Sports Chat, Ryan and Jez put together a wild but well-reasoned proposal: split the league into four divisions based largely on geography and existing rivalries. The idea? Keep travel manageable, nurture fierce local rivalries, and bring fairness back to the fixture list.
Why It Matters
Right now, NRL clubs play 24 games across 27 rounds, but not every team plays each other equally. Travel can skew fairness and with the proposed expansion it is about to get a lot tougher. Perth to PNG? Over 9 hours. Auckland to PNG? Nearly 8. Clubs like Melbourne and the Warriors cop the brunt of these distances, while Sydney teams often sleep in their own beds every game week.
It’s an uneven playing field, and with the NRL's growth, it’s only going to get worse unless structural changes are made.
The Proposal
Ryan’s solution includes a four-division system with travel efficiency and traditional rivalries in mind:
Northern Division: Brisbane, Dolphins, Titans, North QLD, PNG
South/West Division: Melbourne, Canberra, Bulldogs, Perth
Eastern Division: Roosters, Rabbitohs, Sharks, Dragons, Warriors
Sydney Rivalry Division: Parra, Panthers, Manly, Tigers, Newcastle
Each team plays others in their division twice, forming the backbone of the schedule and setting up blockbuster rivalry weekends. Cross-divisional games are then added based on logistical fairness and rotation.
There is obviously still a lot left to be desired in the above proposal but it is a start and should a 20th team be added in the near future as has been reported by the NRL then we get a step closer to some sort of parity.
Check out how we use this thinking in our NRL Game Previews, where strength of schedule and form trends are part of every breakdown.
What It Could Change
- Better recovery windows for travelling teams
- Standalone Origin weekends
- Real parity in scheduling
- New rivalries that are built organically through repetition and finals
The Wrap
The NRL doesn’t have to look far for models with the NFL, AFL and even NBL already navigating similar problems. But 2028 will be a turning point. The league can either double down on a broken draw, or take a leap into a smarter, fairer future.
Ryan and Jez have done the math. What’s your fix?
🎧 Watch the full debate on Ahead of the Game now and share your solution in the comments or @TuxSportTakes & @Sports_Pez_Jez.
Top Betting Sites
Betting offers
Upcoming Events
27 May 2026
- French Open Day 4 -
- Tennis
- 2026 State of Origin Game 1 -
- Rugby League
- League of Inches Origin Best Bets: The Value Plays We’re Backing for Game 1
- State of Origin 2026 Game 1 Same Game Multi Tips & Predictions - Best Bets for NSW vs QLD
- State of Origin Game 1 Promos - Daily Dabble Specials for Origin opener
- 2026 State of Origin Game 1 New South Wales vs Queensland - Who will be Man of the Match in Origin 1?
- 2026 State of Origin NSW vs QLD Game 1 First Try Scorer Tips - Who will get the first try in Game 1 of Origin
- State of Origin 2026 Game 1 Tips and Predictions NSW Blues vs QLD Maroons - Blues Tipped to Start Strong at Accor
- 2026 State of Origin Predictions, Series Preview & Schedule – Who will win the 2026 State of Origin Series?
- Happy Valley - May 27 -
- Horse Racing
- Joao Fonseca vs Dino Prizmic -
- Tennis
- Pablo Carreno Busta vs Thanasi Kokkinakis -
- Tennis
28 May 2026
- St Kilda Saints vs Hawthorn Hawks -
- AFL
- QLD Maroons Women vs NSW Blues Women NRL State of Origin Game 3 -
- Rugby League
29 May 2026
- Carlton Blues vs Geelong Cats -
- AFL
- Cronulla Sharks vs Manly Sea Eagles -
- Rugby League
Load More
