RLPA CEO Newton calls for NRL to overhaul regular season structure

Rugby League Players Association (RLPA) CEO Clint Newton has stated the decline in average age and career length of NRL players is the main reason as to why the league should reduce its 27-game regular season in the near future.

The current system, which has been in place since the Dolphins’ introduction last season, has been met with added criticism with an all-time high in player injuries plaguing the quality of the regular season.

With stars like Nathan Cleary, Cameron Munster and Tom Trbojevic all missing significant portions of the 2024 season, calls have grown louder for the 27-game schedule to be reduced in order to preserve the game.

“I don’t think the game and the players can sustain the current model for much longer,” Newton said on SEN 1170 The Run Home.

“For us personally, I think there’s a discussion to be had around, how do we make the season structure better and ensure that our players play for longer.

“What we want to see is the career length track upwards not down, so what we’re seeing is players playing less number of years and the average age of players is dropping.

“So, if we’re going to look to expand the competition, what you actually want to see is players playing for longer.

“We certainly think that if you reduce the regular season there’s an opportunity to do that.”

Newton brushed off any concerns that less games would result in a pay cut for the game and its players, stating the reduced fixture list would result in a better overall competition.

“I don’t buy into the fact that if you reduce the regular season that broadcasters and our major partners are going to pay less,” Newton added.

“I think other codes have proven globally around the NBA… it’s really about the quality of the product.

“You could introduce more byes and still play for the same length of season but actually play less fixtures.

“If we got to 18 (teams), which obviously we support expansion, that’s going to give an extra (game) every weekend, which is going to be a significant amount of money as well.

“Certainly I reckon that there’s an opportunity to pull it back so our players are playing for longer and that fans aren’t necessarily short-changed particularly at the backend of the season when we’re wanting our best players playing.”

Listen to the full chat below: