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Change to the kickoff rule 2026

W

Wb1234

Immortal
Messages
48,843
Wayne Bennett one of six elite NRL head coaches to support controversial kick-off rule change

Wayne Bennett says the code’s most powerful coaches have backed a proposed overhaul of the kick-off as the ARL Commission confronts one of the most important rule changes in the NRL’s 118-year history.

ARL Commission boss Peter V’landys will preside over a board meeting on Wednesday at which ARLC delegates will vote on whether to rubberstamp several mooted rule changes _ most notably to kick restarts in the NRL.

The NRL has copped some blowback over a radical revamp of the kick-off, with traditionalists insisting there should be no change to the status quo of a scoring team receiving the ball back from the halfway kick restart.

But if the ARLC supports the view of South Sydney super coach Bennett, the team that has been scored against will have the choice to kick-off or receive the ball in this year’s 2026 premiership.

NRL club chief executives have expressed concerns about the rule change but Bennett says six leading coaches - including Ivan Cleary (Penrith), Ricky Stuart (Canberra), Trent Robinson (Roosters), Craig Bellamy (Storm) and Michael Maguire (Broncos) - are united in support.

“All the coaches supported it,” Bennett said of the committee to thrash out rule changes this season.

“We (the six coaches) discussed it fully, we had frank discussion and we all had a final say on what we thought.

“Yes, we all had a little bit of reservation (about how the change to the kick off would impact on the game) but we all thought it could add something to the game.

“It will be a great talking point. Why did they kick off? Why didn’t they choose to receive?
“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.”

The code briefly experimented with the scoring team kicking off during the

Super League competition in 1997.
But, as Bennett points out, the critical distinction with this year’s proposed rule change is the team that concedes points having the option not to receive the ball.
“If you are a traditionalist and you want to kick off, then nothing changes, you can kick off,” Bennett said.

The new rule would give teams who have been scored against the option to kick or receive.

The new rule would give teams who have been scored against the option to kick or receive.

“The only suggestion is that you have an option.
“Instead of the traditional kick-off, you can receive.

“But if you don’t agree with the rule, you can kick off and give the scoring team an extra set of six.

“The parity isn’t there at the moment.
“In most sports around the world, the team scoring doesn’t get the ball back.”
Bennett, who coached the Broncos to the 1997 Super League premiership under the revamped kick-off rule, scoffed at suggestions a restart amendment will ruin the fabric of the sport.

“The only blow up I see from people is that they hate change,” he said.

“This rule will make the time in possession of the ball more equal and nobody scores tries without being in possession of the ball.
“It will make games closer in my view.
“The teams are getting so good now they can put on two or three tries in a period of about six sets.

“Let’s share the ball around a bit more, so we don’t have as many blowouts and we don’t have those moments where a game can be lost in 10 or 15 minutes.

“It may not decrease points, what it will decrease is teams having the opportunity to score more points, because they won’t have as many possessions consecutively.
“Whatever happens with the rule, I’m OK with it.

“But people forget we played under this rule during the Super League year and no-one whinged.

“In fact, this is a better rule because you will have an option, whether you want to kick or receive.

“In the Super League year, we didn’t have an option _ the scoring team had to kick off.
“We had some great games in that competition and I don’t recall a major blow up.

“If teams want to kick off because that’s what always happens, well kick off then, it wouldn’t worry me. I’d be happy for my team to get the ball back.

 
Fangs

Fangs

Referee
Messages
21,575
Wb1234 said:
NRL club chief executives have expressed concerns about the rule change but Bennett says six leading coaches - including Ivan Cleary (Penrith), Ricky Stuart (Canberra), Trent Robinson (Roosters), Craig Bellamy (Storm) and Michael Maguire (Broncos) - are united in support.

“All the coaches supported it,” Bennett said of the committee to thrash out rule changes this season.

“We (the six coaches) discussed it fully, we had frank discussion and we all had a final say on what we thought.

“Yes, we all had a little bit of reservation (about how the change to the kick off would impact on the game) but we all thought it could add something to the game.

“It will be a great talking point. Why did they kick off? Why didn’t they choose to receive?
“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.”

Click to expand...

Do we think this part is true? All of those 6 coaches named support the rule change?
 
G

Gobsmacked

First Grade
Messages
5,917
Wb1234 said:
Wayne Bennett one of six elite NRL head coaches to support controversial kick-off rule change

Wayne Bennett says the code’s most powerful coaches have backed a proposed overhaul of the kick-off as the ARL Commission confronts one of the most important rule changes in the NRL’s 118-year history.

ARL Commission boss Peter V’landys will preside over a board meeting on Wednesday at which ARLC delegates will vote on whether to rubberstamp several mooted rule changes _ most notably to kick restarts in the NRL.

The NRL has copped some blowback over a radical revamp of the kick-off, with traditionalists insisting there should be no change to the status quo of a scoring team receiving the ball back from the halfway kick restart.

But if the ARLC supports the view of South Sydney super coach Bennett, the team that has been scored against will have the choice to kick-off or receive the ball in this year’s 2026 premiership.

NRL club chief executives have expressed concerns about the rule change but Bennett says six leading coaches - including Ivan Cleary (Penrith), Ricky Stuart (Canberra), Trent Robinson (Roosters), Craig Bellamy (Storm) and Michael Maguire (Broncos) - are united in support.

“All the coaches supported it,” Bennett said of the committee to thrash out rule changes this season.

“We (the six coaches) discussed it fully, we had frank discussion and we all had a final say on what we thought.

“Yes, we all had a little bit of reservation (about how the change to the kick off would impact on the game) but we all thought it could add something to the game.

“It will be a great talking point. Why did they kick off? Why didn’t they choose to receive?
“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.”

The code briefly experimented with the scoring team kicking off during the

Super League competition in 1997.
But, as Bennett points out, the critical distinction with this year’s proposed rule change is the team that concedes points having the option not to receive the ball.
“If you are a traditionalist and you want to kick off, then nothing changes, you can kick off,” Bennett said.

The new rule would give teams who have been scored against the option to kick or receive.

The new rule would give teams who have been scored against the option to kick or receive.

“The only suggestion is that you have an option.
“Instead of the traditional kick-off, you can receive.

“But if you don’t agree with the rule, you can kick off and give the scoring team an extra set of six.

“The parity isn’t there at the moment.
“In most sports around the world, the team scoring doesn’t get the ball back.”
Bennett, who coached the Broncos to the 1997 Super League premiership under the revamped kick-off rule, scoffed at suggestions a restart amendment will ruin the fabric of the sport.

“The only blow up I see from people is that they hate change,” he said.

“This rule will make the time in possession of the ball more equal and nobody scores tries without being in possession of the ball.
“It will make games closer in my view.
“The teams are getting so good now they can put on two or three tries in a period of about six sets.

“Let’s share the ball around a bit more, so we don’t have as many blowouts and we don’t have those moments where a game can be lost in 10 or 15 minutes.

“It may not decrease points, what it will decrease is teams having the opportunity to score more points, because they won’t have as many possessions consecutively.
“Whatever happens with the rule, I’m OK with it.

“But people forget we played under this rule during the Super League year and no-one whinged.

“In fact, this is a better rule because you will have an option, whether you want to kick or receive.

“In the Super League year, we didn’t have an option _ the scoring team had to kick off.
“We had some great games in that competition and I don’t recall a major blow up.

“If teams want to kick off because that’s what always happens, well kick off then, it wouldn’t worry me. I’d be happy for my team to get the ball back.

Click to expand...
I guess I've come around to it.
As it is:
20 or 30 minutes arm wrestle goes on, you're already gassed, conceed 1 six again, then another ( you can't catch your breath), they score... Then you have to defend again..
You can be run over and lose a game and by a lot basically by just conceeding that first 6 again or an error.
 
S

siv

First Grade
Messages
7,063
Gobsmacked said:
I guess I've come around to it.
As it is:
20 or 30 minutes arm wrestle goes on, you're already gassed, conceed 1 six again, then another ( you can't catch your breath), they score... Then you have to defend again..
You can be run over and lose a game and by a lot basically by just conceeding that first 6 again or an error.
Click to expand...
Or the alternative

Kickoff is deep, you get wrestled and a forced error occurs

They are back again in attack 20-30m out

Or they do a short kickoff are win the scramble and are 40m out
 
League Unlimited News

League Unlimited News

Administrator
Staff member
Messages
10,436
The Australian Rugby League Commission (ARLC) has today confirmed a package of on-field rule changes for the 2026 season, following an extensive consultation process with clubs, players, coaches and key stakeholders.

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

Accordingly, the existing kick-off arrangements will remain in place for the 2026 season.

NEW RULES APPROVED FOR 2026 SEASON​

Following consultation, the ARLC has approved the introduction of the following on-field rule changes for the 2026 season:

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.

The ARLC has also endorsed a trial of a proposed rule regarding the non-scoring team having the option of kicking-off or receiving from the restart. The change will be trialled in games with no bearing on the finals at the back end of the 2026 season before further consideration.

Further education materials and officiating guidance will be provided to clubs and match officials ahead of the 2026 season.

ARLC Chairman Peter V'landys AM said the decision reflected the Commission's commitment to a consultative approach to rule changes.

"The consultation process was thorough and constructive, and while there was initial support for the kick-off proposal, stakeholders raised legitimate concerns," Mr V'landys said.

"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.

"The game is in a brilliant place. The players are producing incredible feats and the fans are responding. These changes will enhance the game further and continue to ensure this is the best and most watched sport in the country."

ARLC confirms 2026 on-field rule changes » League Unlimited

leagueunlimited.com leagueunlimited.com
 
PARRA_FAN

PARRA_FAN

Coach
Messages
19,091
Well thats good news about the kick off rule, I dont understand why it was even thought about it.
 
Vic Mackey

Vic Mackey

Referee
Messages
27,477
T-Boon said:
Is that the list of coaches on the rules committee: Storm, broncos, roosters, souths, panthers represented as usual.
Click to expand...

No coaches should be on the rule committee, all they do is act in self interest. Just have one as a representative.
League Unlimited News said:
The Australian Rugby League Commission (ARLC) has today confirmed a package of on-field rule changes for the 2026 season, following an extensive consultation process with clubs, players, coaches and key stakeholders.

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

Accordingly, the existing kick-off arrangements will remain in place for the 2026 season.

NEW RULES APPROVED FOR 2026 SEASON​

Following consultation, the ARLC has approved the introduction of the following on-field rule changes for the 2026 season:

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.

The ARLC has also endorsed a trial of a proposed rule regarding the non-scoring team having the option of kicking-off or receiving from the restart. The change will be trialled in games with no bearing on the finals at the back end of the 2026 season before further consideration.

Further education materials and officiating guidance will be provided to clubs and match officials ahead of the 2026 season.

ARLC Chairman Peter V'landys AM said the decision reflected the Commission's commitment to a consultative approach to rule changes.

"The consultation process was thorough and constructive, and while there was initial support for the kick-off proposal, stakeholders raised legitimate concerns," Mr V'landys said.

"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.

"The game is in a brilliant place. The players are producing incredible feats and the fans are responding. These changes will enhance the game further and continue to ensure this is the best and most watched sport in the country."

ARLC confirms 2026 on-field rule changes » League Unlimited

leagueunlimited.com leagueunlimited.com
Click to expand...

This is mostly good, I really like the six man bench. Will make things very interesting tactics wise. The trainer one could effect some teams more then we realise. A few clubs wont know what to do without a trainer 5ms behind the play in the 20 directing the set.

The six again outside the 20 is bullshit. The 2020/21 were the worst seasons Ive ever watched, it was basically touch football. The rule was initially brought into place to stop teams holding down in the 20m zone as the play would stop and allow them to reset their line. Now teams will go back to holding down on play 1/2 after the 20m as they know it just means 1 extra tackle.
 
Valheru

Valheru

Referee
Messages
21,193
Love the 6 man bench but doesn't go far enough IMO. You should be able to use all 6 players if you choose with the same limit of 8 interchange.

No 7 tackle set after a knock on is a great and long overdue change. Again, it doesn't go far enough IMO but it's a start.

I hate the 20M 6 again change
 
S

siv

First Grade
Messages
7,063
Do teams announce 23 or 21 players on Tuesday ??

Then trim to 21 or 19 24h before the game ??

With final 13 plus 6 man bench ie 19 confirmed 1h before kickoff

You would want 20th/21st man to warm up in case of losing a player during the warm up I wpuld expect
 
T-Boon

T-Boon

Coach
Messages
19,197
siv said:
Or the alternative

Kickoff is deep, you get wrestled and a forced error occurs

They are back again in attack 20-30m out

Or they do a short kickoff are win the scramble and are 40m out
Click to expand...
That is possible but I think when momentum is on a teams side the more likely scenario is a penalty awarded to them for a ruck infringement. Too many of these come backs seem to be based on penalties for ruck infringements - such that it seems like the referees are in on the comeback.
Bennett makes a great point that I have also made. The scored against team has a choice to make and that alone makes coaches more accountable for outcomes, and we want that rather than refs getting the credit/blame.
Coaches need to spend more time on this (short kickoffs or thinking about what the best option is for their team) and less time on the dark arts.
Make rules that mean the coaches have to spend less time on the dark arts.
 
Fangs

Fangs

Referee
Messages
21,575
Fangs said:
Do we think this part is true? All of those 6 coaches named support the rule change?
Click to expand...

So Wayne was telling fibs after all. Obviously there wasn't unanimous agreement among the coaches.

Trialing this in dead matches at the end of the season is a much smarter approach. We can get actual data and assess if its a worthwhile change. This isn't a no-brainer like the 6 again rule which changed the sport for the better.
 
yobbo84

yobbo84

Coach
Messages
14,579
Interesting how they used the kick-off red herring to introduce an even more fundamental rule change that changes the fabric of the game - the 6 man bench (even if only using 4).

Funnily enough if that rule was in place in 2025, there would have been multiple occasions where Souths wouldn't have been able to name 19 players.

Re-introducing more 6-agains instead of penalties is shit.

The knock-on in goal change is good but should be extended to EVERYTHING except for kicks that go dead from outside the 40m line.

This change means that field goal attempts, and little grubber kicks that just go dead as the chaser gets there are still 7 tackle sets. So teams are still being punished for attempting to score points.
 
W

Wb1234

Immortal
Messages
48,843
Surprised Pvl caved he seemed determined ti force it through

A reminder the clubs and state bodies ultimately control the arlc and it’s not independent
 
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