The Australian Rugby League Commission has adopted four rule changes to be effective immediately:
"1. 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.
2. Interchange rules – Teams may interchange four players, up to eight times per match, from a squad of six players (players 14 to 19 inclusive).
3. Accidental breach (“zero tackle”) in-goal – There will be no seven-tackle set following a knock-on in-goal by the attacking team.
4. 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 had also proposed allowing teams the choice of kicking or receiving the restart following a try, intended to prevent lopsided results after a significant series of blowouts last year.
Spurred on by the success of innovations such as the six-again rule and the two-point field goal, ARLC chair Peter V'Landys has not masked his desire to create a more entertaining on-field product ahead of the NRL's next broadcast deal, set to be its most lucrative in history.
“You listen to people, but at the end of the day, as custodians, you do what you believe is in the best interests of the game," V'Landys said last year.
South Sydney coach Wayne Bennett led the charge for the kick-off rule change but had little support, with all 17 clubs co-writing a letter to the ARLC opposing the alteration.
“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," the letter said.
Bennett was reportedly one of only six coaches in favour of the shift.
The ARLC has instead expressed an intent to trial the kick-off rule change "in games with no bearing on the finals at the back end of the 2026 season before further consideration".
That means the league will be able to explore the impact of the change in full-scale matches for Premiership points, albeit in late season contests that are effectively dead rubbers.
Clubs will now also be able to deploy a six-man interchange bench, only four of whom will be able to take to the field, as part of a move to lessen the impact of on-field concussions and injuries by giving clubs greater flexibility in their replacements.
“The consultation process was thorough and constructive, and while there was initial support for the kick-off proposal, stakeholders raised legitimate concerns,” ARLC chair V’landys said when announcing the rule changes on Wednesday.
“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.”