Sport Rugby league Ceased 1997 | Instituted 1996 Region International (SLIB) | |
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.
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1996 Tournament
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.
1997 Tournament
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.
1996 Tournament
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.
1997 Tournament
Twelve squads of fourteen players competed in Townsville: