The NRL's Identity Crisis: A Season of Discontent The National Rugby League (NRL) has long prided itself on being a rugged, no nonsense competition that rewards grit and determination above all else.
However, this season has exposed a deep seated problem – one that threatens to undermine the very foundations of the sport.
Round 22's mismatched fixtures highlighted the yawning chasm between the top tier teams, who are already focusing on their finals campaigns, and those struggling to stay afloat in the lower reaches of the competition.