The NRL’s proposed rule changes, including the team conceding a try choosing whether to receive or kick off, have been rejected by the 17 clubs ahead of the 2026 season.
The Daily Telegraph reported all 17 NRL clubs are opposed to the proposed rule change that would see the team that has been scored against choose whether to receive the next kick-off.
Under the NRL’s proposed rule change the team conceding a try would get to choose whether to kick off or receive the ball, a move designed to lower the amount of momentum swings in games.
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However, the NRL clubs are unanimously against the proposed rule change and have called for further trials of the rule changes in lower tier competitions before implementing them in the NRL regular season.
The 17 NRL clubs are of the opinion that the kick-off rule change would alter the “fabric of the game”, while increasing confusion and leading to unnecessary stoppages.
“Clubs are opposed to this proposed rule, as they believe this changes the fabric of the game in a way that may not be justified,” an email from the Clubs Consultation Committee said, according to The Daily Telegraph.
NRL CEO Andrew Abdo is now set for a showdown with the 17 clubs over the proposed rule changes ahead of the season opening weekend in Las Vegas.
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The clubs believe player safety could be a big issue with the proposed rule changes, with the potential to increase fatigue, risk of injury and exposure to concussions.
Another proposed rule change involves reducing the six-again restart zone from 40 metres to 20 metres, meaning infringements beyond that area would result in a set restart rather than a penalty.
Clubs reject controversial rule change | 00:44
The clubs argue the change could give teams the incentive to commit repeat infringements and hinder recent improvements in player welfare.
“Increased fatigue can directly contribute to injury risk and concussion exposure,” the clubs said.
However, there was some support from the clubs for removing seven-tackle restarts for accidental in-goal breaches and introducing interchange modifications.
But clubs are united in wanting to see rule changes trialled properly before being introduced at NRL level.
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