NRL considering major rule changes for 2026 as Abdo explains why

The NRL is preparing to introduce the biggest rule change since the introduction of the six-again rule, among three other potential changes.

NRL CEO Andrew Abdo wrote to club bosses to explain the proposed changes ahead of the approval process.

“Due to the nature of the changes and in order to provide a level playing field, we are sharing this with all club CEOs to provide any feedback on the proposed changes via the (club consultation) committee but also share the proposed amendments with coaching staff at the same time,” Abdo wrote in an email to club bosses per Michael Carayannis.

The NRL will need to talk through the potential changes with the RLPA, clubs and other stakeholders to get approval to implement some of, or all, the changes for the Las Vegas games on March 1.

The changes apply to kick offs, six-agains, seven tackle sets, and the interchange.

Kick Offs

Under the NRL’s proposed plan, which could be introduced as soon as the 2026 season, the team that concedes will now have the option to kick off or receive after points.

The change is designed to limit teams racing away to lopsided scores, which have become more common since the introduction of the six-again in 2020.

“(This) introduces a new tactical element to the game where the captain can decide whether possession or field possession is more important based on game circumstances,” Abdo explained.

Interchange

The league is also proposing expanding the bench to six players, however, teams would still only be able to use four players.

The change would provide more options for coaches in the event of concussions and injuries and offer more flexibility than the 18th man rule. It also opens new tactical considerations for coaches.

Effectively, coaches will have the option to select specialist players if injuries befall their team or look for an outside back who might be able to add spark to a game if their team is falling behind.

The change was initially proposed at a meeting with senior coaches including Wayne Bennett, Ivan Cleary, Craig Bellamy, Ricky Stuart, Michael Maguire and Craig Fitzgibbon.

Interchanges would remain at eight per team.

“Once a fourth player has been used either of the remaining two players may only be used should the circumstances arise from an 18th player to be activated,” Abdo said in the email.

“All teams currently travel with 19 players. This amendment will provide clubs with more flexibility and tactical options depending on game injuries.”

Seven tackle set

The third change would ensure players who drop the ball over the try line are not punished with a seven-tackle set, instead the defending team would receive a fresh six tackle set at the 20-metre mark, starting with a play-the-ball.

Abdo confirmed the only seven tackle set restart from the 20-metre line will now be from kicks that go dead in-goal.

Six-Agains

The NRL is also proposing changes to six-agains that would see them awarded once the attacking team is outside their own 20m line, as opposed to their 40-metre line as it currently stands.

This would be brought in in an effort to speed the game up. Teams would still be awarded penalties for ruck infringements or offsides within their own 20m zone.

The 2026 season gets underway on March 1 between the Bulldogs and the Dragons in Las Vegas.