NRL changes finals system

The Warriors path to last year's NRL final would have been different under the new system. Photo / Getty Images

The NRL's McIntyre system has been scrapped in favour of the AFL (Aussie Rules) finals system for the 2012 season.

In the first act of the new Australian Rugby League Commission which met for the first time on Tuesday, the finals format will change from the system which has been part of the premiership since 1999.

The competition will now split the top four and the bottom four finalists into separate pools in week one.

Under the McIntyre system the eight finalists were seeded so that the top four played the bottom four.

With the new format each of the top four teams needs to win two finals matches to reach the grand final, while the bottom four ranked teams must win three.

The minor premiers and second-placed team are each guaranteed two home games.

Clubs complained there was insufficient reward for finishing in the top four.

Last season the Warriors finished sixth and were beaten 40-10 in the opening week of the finals by third-placed Brisbane, and then eliminated fourth-placed Wests Tigers, who had won their qualifying final, the following week.

The Warriors then went through to the grand final.

The recommendation to the Commission follows 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.''

- AAP