Aussies change play-off format
Conclusion of NRL season will mirror Super League
Last Updated: February 22, 2012 5:34pm
Manly Sea Eagles will defend their NRL title
Australia have followed the Super League's lead and scrapped their controversial play-off system.
On the eve of the new NRL season, the newly-formed Australian Rugby League Commission announced that the convoluted McIntyre model is to make way for a more even-handed top-four, bottom-four format.
The top eight will be divided into two separate groups in week one of the play-offs, as happens in Super League and used to happen in the old Australia Rugby League.
The McIntyre system has been used since 1999 but was criticised for failing to reward the teams finishing in the top four and providing potential 'leg-ups' for those clubs ranked further down.
"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," said ARLC chief executive David Gallop.
"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."
