NRL OFFICIALS are again getting out the red marker and the rule book ahead of the 2026 season, with a restriction on trainers almost assured and four other rule changes under heavy consideration.
The League’s CEO, Andrew Abdo, wrote to clubs explaining how the NRL planned to respond to two trainers being found guilty of spraying water on the ball and another of running in front of an opposition goalkicker last season.
Abdo wrote: “Blue trainers will no longer be permitted access for tactical messages during play. Messages will only be permitted after a try has been scored.
“After a try has been scored trainers must remain with the defensive team until after the conversion is attempted.
“Trainers must run on and off the field at all times and will not be permitted to loiter on the field at any time.”
The proposed rule changes have sparked much debate.
One: After conceding a try, team will have the option of kicking off or receiving. This, say some fans, will kill off the miracle last-minute comeback.
Two, set restarts are to be awarded anywhere outside a team’s 20m defensive zone – rather than 40m.
Three, if you drop the ball over the line you will no longer give the opposition a seven-tackle set. It will go back to six.
And four … well the bench won’t be four players anymore. It will be six. Two of them will remain on the bench and play no part in the match but the coach can decide which four he uses based on what is happening in the match.
A decision is expected in the opening week of the new year.