World Nines | |
---|---|
Sport | Rugby league |
Instituted | 1996 |
Ceased | 1997 |
Region | International (SLIB) |
Most titles | New Zealand (2 titles) |
The Super League World Nines (known as the Gatorade Super League World Nines due to sponsorship), was a pre-season rugby league nines tournament between national sides. Set up in the midst of the Super League war and created in opposition to the Australian Rugby League's World Sevens tournament, the tournament was held twice before being abandoned when the two factions merged to form the National Rugby League.
The 1996 World Nines were held at National Stadium in Suva, Fiji from 22 February to 24 February. The winner of this competition was New Zealand, who won their first world trophy in a rugby league competition. New Zealand were awarded A$30,000 for the win. The 1996 World Nines marked the first time that a video referee was used for a game of rugby league. Due to a court ruling in the Federal Court of Australia, this was the only Super League competition held in 1996.
The 1997 World Nines were held in Townsville, Queensland from 31 January to 2 February. New Zealand won this competition for the second year in a row.
Sixteen squads competed in Suva:
Gary Connolly, of England, and Martin Hall, the Welsh captain, were forced to withdraw from their respective squads after being threatened with legal action by the Australian Rugby League.
Coach - Graeme Norton
1. Sean Hoppe (c) 2. John Kirwan 3. Stephen Kearney 4. Nigel Vagana 5. Gene Ngamu 6. Tony Tatupu 7. Gavin Hill 8. Mark Carter 9. Stacey Jones 10. Tony Iro 11. Richie Barnett 12. Henry Paul 13. 14. Latham Tawhai