Why NRL's McIntyre System Has To Go

After the 2009 finals, it would appear shocking to any outsider that the McIntyre System is still in place. Anyone involved in rugby league is not surprised though. Blinkered vision and defiance of logic have been hallmarks of rugby league administration for over a century now.

The 2009 finals system highlighted the deep structural failings of the McIntyre System and its inherent unfairness.

The biggest losers were both the Dragons and the Titans.

St. George-Illawarra won the minor premiership and were eliminated in straight sets. They were given the advantage of hosting a final against the lowest ranked team in the first week of the finals but upon losing that match to Parramatta they ceded any advantage they had earned over 26 rounds with a single loss. They subsequently not only had to play the sixth placed Brisbane Broncos but they had to travel to play the match at Suncorp Stadium. The Dragons went down 24-10 and were eliminated.

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