The Rugby League Int'l Federation is "aiming to break new ground" in '19 with the introduction of a Nines World Cup for the first time "as part of long‑term plans to expand and popularise the game" at the int'l level in the style of Twenty20 cricket, according to Aaron Bower of the London GUARDIAN. The sport "has some experience with a shortened nine-a-side format already," with the National Rugby League hosting a preseason nines tournament for the past four years. However, at a meeting on Tuesday, the RLIF board agreed to introduce an int'l nines tournament, "which will complement England’s tour to Australia and New Zealand in the same year." The concept, similar to sevens in rugby union, has "attracted praise since its debut" in '14, with the NRL’s changes to the traditional rules including nine-minute halves, unlimited interchanges and extra points being awarded for tries scored in a "bonus zone." It has "not been confirmed whether the RLIF will adopt those rules for its own nines event." The RLIF said, "Expressions of interest to host the Nines World Cup have been received and a full report will be made to the board meeting in May" (GUARDIAN, 3/29).