Is the current system wrong? Interesting NRLW question raised as finals format comes under fire

Sydney Roosters coach John Strange has proposed altering the NRLW finals structure to offer regular-season leaders a genuine double chance rather than just an opening-round bye. Fox Sports columnist Jo Barrett argues that with the Roosters entering another Grand Final against the Brisbane Broncos after an undefeated regular season, it is the right time to examine how the competition rewards dominance.

Strange suggested a four-team, three-week finals format where the top two seeds play for direct Grand Final entry while the loser gets a second chance. Barrett notes that while knockout football creates compelling drama, alternative setups like Strange's proposal or a McIntyre-style system would better balance regular-season consistency against sudden-death unpredictability as the NRLW grows.