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Home / Sport

Charting it: Is the NRL the most even competition?

Cameron McMillan
By Cameron McMillan
Deputy Head of Sport·NZ Herald·
13 Oct, 2014 03:16 AM2 mins to read

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The Rabbitohs became the 10th NRL club since 200 to win the title. Photo / Getty Images

The Rabbitohs became the 10th NRL club since 200 to win the title. Photo / Getty Images

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Last Sunday the Rabbitohs became the 10th different NRL side to win the title since 2000.

Looking at eight other major sporting competitions around the world, the NRL has provided the most number of different champions in that time - tied with the NFL.

Both competitions have salary caps which are no doubt a large reason for the parity but next on the list is Major League Baseball which doesn't restrict spending.

Of the six NRL teams that haven't won a title, three have played in a grand final: Warriors (2002, 2011), Eels (2009) and Cowboys (2005).

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Leaving the Sharks, Raiders and Titans as the only teams to not play for a title since 2000. The Raiders have made the playoffs eight times since 2000, Sharks seven and the Titans twice in eight seasons.

Super Rugby
In Super Rugby the Force, Lions, Rebels, Cheetahs and Highlanders are the five teams that haven't made a final since 2000, however the Highlanders did lose to the Crusaders in the 1999 Super 12 season.

NFL

More than 50 percent of the 32 NFL teams have made an appearance in the Super Bowl since 2000. Only the New England Patriots, Baltimore Ravens, Pittsburgh Steelers and New York Giants have won multiple titles over that time.

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Premier League

Since the 2000-1 Premier League season, 42 teams have taken part in the 20-club competition. Only Manchester United, Manchester City, Arsenal and Chelsea have won a title while Liverpool have finished third.

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League

Five long sporting title droughts

07 Oct 02:00 AM
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