BREAKING: NRL confirms new rules as controversial kick-off change scrapped… for now

Several rule changes for 2026 has been confirmed although one proposed amendment which sparked plenty of discussion, won’t come to fruition.

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On Wednesday, the NRL announced that there will be four new rule changes for the 2026.

However, a controversial kick-off change which would have given the non-scoring team the option of kicking off or receiving from the restart won’t come into affect.

According to a statement from the NRL, the four new on-field rule changes are:

Trainer rules – Trainers will be restricted from entering the field of play to prescribed and clearly defined circumstances. This will ensure player safety remains the priority while reducing unnecessary intrusions by Trainers carrying messages.

Interchange rules – Teams may interchange four players, up to eight times per match, from a squad of six players (players 14 to 19 inclusive).

Accidental breach (“zero tackle”) in-goal – There will be no seven-tackle set following a knock-on in-goal by the attacking team.

Restarting the tackle count – For certain infringements beyond the 20-metre line, the tackle count will restart, replacing the current 40-metre threshold.

Regarding the proposed kick-off change, there were several coaches who were in support of it, including Wayne Bennett, Ivan Cleary, Ricky Stuart, Craig Bellamy and Trent Robinson.

“All (six) coaches supported it,” Bennett told Code Sports.

“We discussed it fully, we had frank discussion and we all had a final say on what we thought.

“I don’t recall any of the coaches (as part of the discussions) saying, ‘No I don’t want it’.

“We were all happy enough in the end to say, ‘OK, let’s give this a go.”

As per the NRL’s statement, the decision not to implement the kick-off change was due to a number of concerns the Australian Rugby League Commission had.

“After careful consideration of feedback received during the consultation period, the ARLC has decided not to proceed with the proposed kick-off rule change, which would have allowed the conceding team the option to kick off or receive the kick-off following a try,” the statement read.

“The ARLC acknowledged the strong engagement from stakeholders and noted that, while the proposal was initially supported in principle, consultation identified a number of concerns.”

ARLC chair Peter V’landys added: “After weighing that feedback carefully, the Commission determined that it was not in the best interests of the game to proceed with that particular change at this time.”

“The changes that are being implemented are intended to build on the success of the 2025 season by enhancing the entertainment value for fans, while also providing additional tactical options for coaches.”