http://www.foxsports.com.au/league/nrl- ... 6278382721The NRL will no longer run the finals using the McIntyre system, which it adopted in 1999.
For the first time since 1996, the competition will split the top four and the bottom four finalists into separate pools in week one of the Telstra Premiership Finals Series - reverting to the system used by the Australian Rugby League in 1995 and 1996.
The McIntyre system "seeded" the eight finalists so the top four clubs played the bottom four, with the lowest two ranked losers eliminated from week one of the finals.
“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," Australian Rugby League 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 change the finals system followed an extensive review process conducted by ARLC general manager of football operations Nathan McGuirk.
"Over the past few months, we have been conducting a review with clubs and with the recently formed competition committee," 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.
"Each of the top four teams needs only to win two finals matches to reach the grand final, while the bottom four-ranked teams must win three.
"The Minor Premiers and Team 2 are each guaranteed two home games."
The Telstra premiership finals system will continue to be played on the basis of "home city" venues in week one and two, and "home region" venues in week three.
Good, it was a cabernet and unfair finals system!
