LeagueNews.co | Cooper McEnroe
The NRL is reportedly mulling over a major rule change for the 2026 season that could significantly alter the landscape of rugby league.
To maintain competitiveness throughout matches, The Sydney Morning Herald has indicated that league officials are proposing a modification to the kick-off rule. This would involve the team that scores a try or goal restarting play by kicking off instead of the team that concedes.
An NRL competition committee is expected to review various potential rule adjustments during the off-season, with this kick-off proposal being a primary focus, as per sources connected to the publication.
If adopted, this change would represent the most substantial rule modification since the NRL introduced the six-again rule almost five years ago in 2021.
Moreover, the NRL is also considering additional rule changes, such as the duration trainers can spend on the field following numerous incidents during the 2025 season, as well as whether players should face penalties for 'milking' fouls.