The newly-formed independent NRL commission has wasted no time in re-structuring the game in Australia, announcing the controversial McIntyre finals system is to be scrapped.
The system, which has been in use since 1999, sees the top four teams at the end of the regular season's top eight finishers pit themselves against the bottom four.
From this season however the competition will split the top four and the bottom four finalists into separate pools in week one of the finals eries.
“As the competition has become closer and the impact of ‘home and away’ finals matches even more significant, the system has become a source of increasing debate,” commission Chief Executive, David Gallop, said.
“The allocation of ‘home venues’ in the second week of the McIntyre system has been a particular concern.
“After going through a thorough process we are confident that this is the right time for this change.”
The recommendation to the Commission follows an extensive review process conducted by ARLC General Manager of Football Operations, Mr Nathan McGuirk.
“Over the past few months we have been conducting a review with clubs and with the recently formed Competition Committee,” Mr McGuirk said.
“An overwhelming majority of clubs have shifted their support away from the McIntyre system and to one where the top four teams play each other in week one.
“It offers greater protection for the top four teams and the possibility of even closer matches.”
