Following theย incredible spectacle that was the 2015 Challenge Cup final, talk has again been raised regarding an Australia version of a similar tournament.
Although Leeds 50-0 win over Hull KR meant the game was dead as a contest very early on, the occasion was simply spectacular.
A massive, loud and colourful crowd was on hand on for English Super Leagueโs version of the FA Cup. If Lizzie Jonesโ rendition of Abide With Me didnโt get your pulse racing, you need to see a medical professional.
Leeds were clinical on the night, but it was the underdog story of Hull KR making the final that dominated pre-match discussion.
The difference between the top sides and the rest is far more pronounced in the Super League, so for KR to make it to the final, was incredible.
The underdog story, the massive final, the fact that there were upsets throughout the tournament โฆ thereโs just nothing like that in the NRL.
The NRL Nines are fun, a lot of fun actually, but NRL sides have shown their hands by announcing squads that are far different to their full strength NRL line-ups.
Although the Challenge Cup is second to the Super League title, much like the FA Cup is to the EPL title, itโs still held in high regard by all sides.
The closest we had in Australia was the old Amco Cup, a mid-week tournament that was held, mostly, in straight knock out format during the 70s and 80s.
Player burn out is a huge factor in todayโs game, however a challenge cup like knock out tournament in Australia could be a fantastic event.
Hereโs how Iโd set it up:
For it to work, Iโd look at hosting the first round before the NRL season kicks off, thus replacing the last trial game most sides play.
The final trial game, in most instances, is the closest you will get to an NRL level game in the pre-season.
Itโs give Fox Sports a round of pre-season games of sorts to televise, and would be up to each NRL club on how many stars they wish to risk in the early rounds.
The 16 NRL sides would automatically enter the competition, as would all NSW and QLD cup feeder sides.
For instance, Newcastle would not be able to enter their first grade side, and their NSW cup side.
The Sharks would exist as their NRL side, while Newtown, their feeder club, would also enter.
The NRL sides who have feeder sides, would be forced to play at least some of their regular NRL side, which would increase interest in the tournament.
Those sides who own their own NSW cup sides would have a larger pool to choose from in theory, however itโd be up to them which tact they wish to take.
New Zealand could provide two sides, one from the north island, one from the south, made up of players not contracted to the Warriors.
The PNG Hunters would be a draw card on their own, especially if they coould host an NRL side in the early rounds.
Thereโd be 64 teams in the competition. Youโve got your 16 NRL sides, 6 NSW cup sides, 14 QLD Cup sides, 2 sides from New Zealand, and 26 sides made up from across Australia.
These 26 sides could be bush footy sides who win their groups from around the country. There may be a need for a playoff system, but ultimately 26 sides would come from bush competitions.
The draw should be set up so that no NRL side can meet in the first round. Theoretically 16 sides from the NRL would advance to the final 32 then itโs a completely random draw.
The possibility of a bush footy, or even QLD cup side upsetting an NRL side would make for great viewing.
The Hunters, hosting say the Storm, in front of a sell-out crowd in PNG would be absolutely massive.
The possibility of NRL sides travelling to the bush, should stadiums and grounds meet criteria, would provide a massive shot in the arm to the all too forgotten grass roots.
You tell me a bush footy side wouldnโt bring fans in their thousands to an NRL side hosted cup tie.
As previously mentioned, player burn out would be a factor, but only two sides would play a maximum of five extra games.
Cut out a pre-season trial and shorten the competition to allow three standalone State of Origins. Then only two sides, max, would play one more game during the season.
Those sides knocked out of the competition would have a week off while the competition would continue, meaning extra rest for burned out players.
Those teams who succeed in the tournament would miss out on their weeks off, but thatโs the price you pay for success I guess.
Channel 9 could show the NRL team involved fixtures, meaning they would not sacrifice games during the standalone Origin rounds.
Fox could show the bush clashes, and NSW/QLD cup involved games.
Weโd get a brand new tournament, some amazing fixtures, an incredible spectacle, and much needed money and attention on grass roots football.
Itโs a win, win, win, win situation.
Whether the NRL, or the clubs, would support it is a whole other question, but Iโm sure the fans certainly would.
