LeagueNews.co | Jason Patrick
The NRL is set to increase the size of benches from four to six players in 2026, allowing match-day squads to expand to 19 players.
There is no doubt that this change is much needed.
Due to the rise in head injuries, the fast pace of the game leading to more injuries, and numerous matches in 2025 being decided by the number of available players in the second half, this adjustment was essential.
This modification will help reduce the element of luck associated with injuries. However, it offers more than just that.
From a tactical standpoint, teams will benefit from additional options. How each team utilizes the extra two players each week remains to be seen.
In the coming months, coaches will need to figure out how to effectively deploy a six-man bench and manage the eight interchanges across the 80-minute match.
It is likely that, since the number of interchanges remains unchanged, one or two of the designated players may not see any game time unless injuries occur.