North Queensland premiership star Johnathan Thurston wants the NRL regular season cut back from 26 to 22 rounds and the World Club Series moved to Dubai.
Ahead of the Cowboys' round-one clash on Saturday (March 5) against Cronulla, Thurston has outlined a scheduling blueprint to News Corp Australia to ease the strain on rugby league's biggest stars.
The Australian and Queensland playmaker is adamant five-day turnarounds between games must be abolished.
Thurston is also suggesting the Indigenous All Stars game to be held in grand final week.
He says the World Club Series should be taken away from England to reduce travel demands on NRL players, adding he has no interest in playing in the international series unless it is for the major trophy.
NRL clubs currently play 24 games over 26 rounds, but Thurston is seeking a return to the 22-match premiership format used from 1988-96, effectively cutting the season by a month.
"That (a 22-round competition) would be ideal," he told News Corp.
"I know the broadcasters have a fair bit to say over how many games we're playing. But, if we could cut back on (premiership) games and sell the rights to the World Club Series, that way we are still getting enough footy.
"I was talking to the coach (Cowboys Paul Green) the other day about it. It's a hectic schedule, including the pre-season ... something has got to give," Thurston said.
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