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Controversial NRL Kick-Off Rule Change Dumped—for Now, Says V'landys
The ARLC postponed the kick-off restart change to trial matches later in 2026 after stakeholder concerns, while approving other rule modifications for the upcoming season.
- 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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12 Articles
Coverage Details
Total News Sources12
Leaning Left4Leaning Right2Center2Last UpdatedBias Distribution50% Left
Bias Distribution
- 50% of the sources lean Left
50% Left
L 50%
C 25%
R 25%
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