Each club could still have 13 home games, the same as now, they would merely be restructured. In:
* SL - 10 home games
* Northern Rail Cup - 3 home games (assuming a structure of 8 pools of 4 clubs).

This format could be negotiated for the new contract, and while there might be a reduction in the value for SL's deal, increases in the value of the NRC and a significantly expanded test program would make up for the shortfall.

With respect to an uneven fixture list, if by that you mean that clubs would not play all teams at "home and away" - well the fact is that there is no perfect fixture list, but allowing the expansion of the international game will help all levels of the game. Consider 1) that the NRL has not run on a H&A basis for nearly almost the past 30 years 2) Many current and former NRL players, coaches and administrators have said that even the current club fixture list is excessive.

Its one possible solution, but it would be preferable to not schedule any midweek games, which reduce preparation and recovery for the players, and are less convenient for the fans.

IMO Rounds 4 & 5 could be moved to mid February and beginning of March respectively, on the bye weekends of the Union Six Nations, where they used to be. Rounds 1 to 3 could be moved to weekends in November, December and January. This would mean they would make a smaller impact on SL, yet it would not clash with other BBC events.

However, the Cup Quarters, Semis and Final could be retained on weekends in June, July and August to placate the BBC. These are the rounds where the Cup gets serious and heats up anyway.

Sorry folks, we let him out on day release and he absconded.

But enough about the Observer, what about Damo?

Michael.

Just realised what was meant.

Note to self.... engage brain 1st

It's a notable idea, reducing the SL fixture list to accommodate another competition (albeit lesser) as well as an expanded international programme. However, what you have failed to mention is where the knock-out stages come in to all of this? That's three more fixtures on the list. Unless they schedule them mid-week, they'd have to expand the fixture list still.

Let's rename the JJB the David Whelan Stadium

What a poop meaningless post.

The NRC Quarter, Semi finals and Final could run over three straight weeks until the first week of October. Players involved in the Cup would still get a 3 month off-season, and start in February next year, which is reasonable. England/GB test players would hopefully get close to 3 months offseason and start playing again in late Feb-early March.