For a conference system to become a reality and a success for the NRL, there has to be a clear strategy for its implementation. The Future League identifies the key tactic to achieve this strategy.

The structure for the NRL conference system is four conferences of four teams (increasing to five when the expansion of the league eventually reaches 20 teams). These four conferences will build and develop rivalries, add extra significance to matches otherwise seen as just another fixture on the sporting calendar, and provide multiple avenues of interest across media and fans alike. It will also increase the attractiveness of rugby league both on and off the field.

How it works

As much as fans in states other than New South Wales feel the NRL is too Sydney-centric due to the administration being based in the city, it’s a perfect point to centre the conference compass. After all, the NRL offices aren’t called ‘Rugby League Central’ for nothing.

Using this, as well as some creative geographical licence, the following four conferences are allocated: North, South, East and West. The Future League will outline the teams in each conference, and also delve into the potential of each conference in a marketing and rivalry context, in future posts.

Teams will play their conference rivals – and only their conference rivals – twice each year on a home-and-away basis.

How The Future League works

The Future League will cover the entire 2015 NRL season as if a conference system is already in place. It’s one thing to lay the foundations for a solid idea, but it’s just as important to continue to build on top of it. The Future League is a real-time case study of the NRL conference system in action.

Related Posts: The Conference System: Deconstructed ; The Future The NRL Deserves