ANZAC Test
A Super League Test was played between Australia and New Zealand on ANZAC Day in 1997. There was some controversy at the time for the use of the word ANZAC, as many considered it inappropriate to compare sportspeople to soldiers. Although it was dropped from the annual schedule in the early years of the new millennium, it was revived in 2004, and is now contested each year. The winner of the ANZAC Test receives the Trans-Tasman Trophy.
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Night Grand Finals
The Super League Telstra Cup Grand Final was played on a Saturday night in Brisbane, whereas all NSWRL, ARL and NRL Grand Finals were traditionally played on a Sunday afternoon. From 2001 the NRL has played its Grand Finals on the Sunday night in October, to coincide with a Public Holiday in New South Wales the following day. Although a rating success for the Nine Network, this scheduling continues to upset traditionalists, who believe that having the Grand Final on a Sunday afternoon allows people to better celebrate the day, particularly with a Grand Final BBQ. Some in Sydney also believe that holding the Grand Final at night disuades parents with young children attending. It is also unpopular outside of New South Wales, as there is no Public Holiday in Queensland the following day, and the Grand Final begins late in the evening in New Zealand.
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Video Referees
At the Super League World Nines in 1996 the video referee was used for the first time. The Video referee allows an official to check the veracity of tries scored using footage from the television broadcasters. The NRL used Video Referees from its first season in 1998.
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Rule Changes
A number of rule changes were introduced in both the Super League and the ARL during the war that have been adopted by the NRL. Super League innovations include:
Zero tackle rule (in a modified form).
Scrums packed 20 metres in from touch.
Scoring team kicks off instead of non scoring team.
