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Controversial NRL kick-off rule change dumped—for now, says V'landys

  • The ARLC confirmed on Wednesday four new on-field rule changes ahead of the 2026 season starting March 1 in Las Vegas but delayed the kick-off change to trial matches with no finals impact.
  • Following stakeholder feedback, consultation with clubs, players and coaches raised legitimate concerns the ARLC chairman Peter V'landys said, leading to the delay of the proposed kick-off option.
  • Teams will now be able to interchange four players up to eight times from a bench expanded from four to six, while trainers face restricted on-field entry and referees use set restarts beyond the 20m line.
  • The ARLC said the changes aim to improve spectacle and tactics, and further information will be provided to clubs and match officials ahead of the 2026 season.
  • Penrith were fined $50,000 and trainer Corey Bocking received a five-match ban after a trainer ran in front of Jayden Campbell, while players like Cameron Munster expressed wariness about tinkering with the game.
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National Rugby League broke the news in on Tuesday, February 3, 2026.
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