The NRL will road-test a shot clock for the first time in rugby league history at the Auckland Nines, and there's the chance the innovation could be used in premiership matches if the experiment is successful.
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The governing body held the pool draw for next year's tournament at Rugby League Central on Wednesday, with one of the biggest shake-ups for next edition being the inclusion of clashes between the Australian and New Zealand female teams on the program.
The other is the introduction of a countdown clock, akin to the one used in basketball, to speed up play. It's understood the shot clock will initially be used to speed up try conversions, and fans will be able to countdown at the venue. Conversions will only count if they are completed within the specified timeframe.
The NRL has already expressed its desire to co-ordinate all time-keeping technology to ensure consistency.
"We don't have much detail other than to say the team at the NRL, with Todd Greenberg and Nathan McGuirk at the football department, are seriously looking at trialling a shot clock," David Higgins, the director of Duco Events – NRL Nines' promoter – said. "I think you will see that happen.
"It's an innovation that will add to the excitement and competitive edge.
"That's one of the brilliant things about the Nines. It's an opportunity to be a bit of a prototype, a chance for the guys at the NRL to roll out some innovations and test things out."
North Queensland took out the inaugural tournament and have been placed in arguably the toughest pool, alongside Melbourne, Penrith and South Sydney.
A partnership between Duco Events, the NRL, Dick Smith and foundation host city sponsor Auckland Tourism, Events and Economic Development has made it possible to again offer a prize pool of more than $2.4 million. That means the winners of the Nines will earn more than the $100,000 offered to the NRL minor premiers and almost as much as the $400,000 offered to the major ones for only two days' work. The NRL discussed bridging the disparity with the clubs, but they were reluctant to do so because it would have reduced the annual grant figure provided from the governing body.
"The premiership is a long, hard 26-week slog, which is not about money it's about the kudos," Higgins said.
While some coaches were initially reluctant to let all of their stars participate, the riches on offer are an inducement to field close to their best sides.
"That's when we took it serious, when we got there and they told us the prize money," St George Illawarra's representative forward, Trent Merrin, said.
"It's exciting, especially when you are coming off pre-season and you just want to get away from it."
There have been concerns about the workload on the game's elite players as the league calendar becomes more crammed. The marquee men could potentially be involved in the Four Nations, the NRL All Stars, and then an expanded World Club Challenge, as well as the Nines. To help alleviate some of those concerns, the squad size for the Nines has been increased from 16 to 18 to spread the load.
THE NRL AUCKLAND NINES GROUPINGS
Rangitoto Pool: Eels, Sea Eagles, Knights, Dragons
Waiheke Pool: Storm, Cowboys, Panthers, Rabbitohs
Piha Pool: Roosters, Broncos, Bulldogs, Sharks
Hunau Ranges Pool: Tigers, Warriors, Raiders, Titans
