The NRL is considering a radical rule change that could shake up the game ahead of the 2026 season. Teams that score a try might be forced to kick off, marking the biggest rule change since the six-again introduction in 2021. This move aims to disrupt the momentum of scoring teams and make games more engaging. The NRL is seeking feedback from clubs and fans, as well as conducting research, to determine if this tweak will make matches more competitive by balancing possession. The potential change would mirror the NFL model, where the scoring team initiates play. Additionally, the NRL is tightening its stance on trainer rules, limiting their presence on the field during attacking sets and addressing confusion and enforcement challenges. These adjustments come after incidents like a Penrith trainer obstructing a Titan player during a conversion, and the NRL's committee is also exploring ways to discourage players from milking penalties and examining aerial contest adjudication and sin bin/send-off rules to ensure fairness and maintain the game's pace and entertainment value for fans.
