LeagueNews.co | Cooper McEnroe
A proposed rule change regarding the rugby league kick-off will be delayed until the end of the current season, instead of being implemented at the start of the 2026 NRL season. It will be trialled in matches later in the year.
On Wednesday, the Australian Rugby League Commission (ARLC) announced four new on-field rule changes in preparation for the upcoming season, which is set to kick off in Las Vegas on Sunday, March 1, AEDT.
However, the kick-off rule was not included in the ARLC's list of approved changes.
The proposed amendment to the kick-off rule would have allowed the non-scoring team to choose either to kick or receive the restart after a score.
The ARLC confirmed on Wednesday that this proposed change will be trialed at the end of the season during matches that have "no bearing on the finals."
ARLC chairman Peter V'landys stated, "The consultation process was thorough and constructive, and while there was initial support for the kick-off proposal, stakeholders raised legitimate concerns."
V'landys continued, "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."
In its announcement, the ARLC revealed four rule changes for the 2026 season:
Trainer rules - There will be new restrictions on trainers entering the field. This change aims to ensure player safety while minimizing unnecessary interruptions from trainers delivering messages.