The NRL has backed down on its controversial kick-off rule change. But we haven’t seen the last of it

Several coaches, so convinced that ARL Commission chairman Peter V’landys would push ahead with the controversial kick-off change, were already practising it at training during opposed sessions.

Only once in the history of the game, during the Super League season of 1997, has the scoring team kicked off to restart play. And yet the NRL was toying with a variation on the theme, whereby the team that had conceded points would have the option to either kick off or receive the ball.

The proposal passed its first test at a meeting of a committee including top coaches Wayne Bennett, Ivan Cleary, Craig Bellamy, Ricky Stuart and Craig Fitzgibbon. The clubs, however, were unanimously against it. They had objected from the moment they first read about the proposal in this masthead in early November, believing the fabric of the game was being unnecessarily tampered with.

The NRL undertook an extensive consultation period, but the clubs were sceptical. They were of the belief that it was a box-ticking exercise, that their views would be disregarded and V’landys would plow ahead regardless.

And then something unexpected happened: V’landys listened and backed down.

“PVL” has always trusted his gut instinct and ignored the outside noise with initiatives such as the six-again rule, which eventually won over sceptics. But even with the vocal support of fellow proponent Bennett, there was no point picking a fight with the 17 clubs before a ball had even been kicked in 2026.

“The consultation process was thorough and constructive, and while there was initial support for the kick-off proposal, stakeholders raised legitimate concerns,” 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.”

There are, however, four changes that were approved at a meeting of the ARLC on Wednesday, namely:

• 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.
• There will be no seven-tackle set following a knock-on in-goal by the attacking team, considered an accidental breach of the “zero tackle” rule in goal.
• Restarting the tackle count: for certain infringements beyond the 20-metre line, the tackle count will restart, replacing the current 40-metre threshold.
• Squad sizes will be expanded to 19, with teams allowed to interchange four players up to eight times a match, from a bench of six players.

The last initiative is the one with the most tactical significance. Previously, only four players sat on the interchange bench and the composition was almost always the same: three forwards and a utility. Now, with two extra options to choose from, coaches could be able to turn to an outside back or a player who could play half or hooker if injury strikes. In the past, losing a halfback usually meant losing the game. Those days may be over.

However, choosing a bigger bench is an inexact science. The Roosters, for instance, have outstanding insurance for Daly Cherry-Evans and Sam Walker in the form of Hugo Savala. But if Savala sits on the bench and the first-choice halves have an extended run without injury, he could go weeks without getting a run. The issue of gaining game time could be complicated further still if the Roosters have a string of NSW Cup games that are scheduled before the NRL team plays on a given weekend.

Then there’s the opportunity for fringe players to show their wares. Dolphins livewire Trai Fuller, for instance, has so far had only limited chances in the NRL. But given his attacking prowess, the fullback is the perfect replacement should Kristian Woolf’s side be chasing late points.

As for the mooted kick-off rule, it is not a dead duck just yet. The change will be trialled in games of no finals consequence at the end of the season. That’s the same avenue by which another big shake-up, the captain’s challenge, was introduced to the game.

Legendary referee Bill Harrigan has always warned of rugby league’s “carpet-bubble effect”, whereby even the smallest rule alterations can have unexpected consequences. Under the current kick-off rule, teams that concede a try can struggle to get the ball back, leading to blowouts.

Yet, one of the best features of the modern game is the late comeback. The best example is Penrith’s stunning 2023 grand final resurgence against the Broncos, which wouldn’t have happened if they didn’t get the ball continually kicked back to them after scoring.

It didn’t have the requisite support this time, but the beauty of the mooted change was that the choice of who kicks off goes to the team that conceded points. It won’t be long before we debate its merits again.

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