Overview
- The proposal would require the team that scores to kick off from 2026, a shift intended to rebalance possession and temper momentum swings.
- An expanded competition committee will consider the change alongside data and feedback gathered in the NRL’s end-of-season review.
- Other topics under review include tighter limits on on-field trainers, measures to deter players staying down for penalties, clearer aerial contest rules, and refined sin-bin or send-off protocols.
- If adopted, the restart change would mirror the NFL model and represent the most significant gameplay adjustment since the 2021 six-again rule.
- Pushback has begun, with Canterbury Bulldogs boss Phil Gould condemning the idea, while a separate NRL integrity probe into Eli Katoa’s head knocks is complete but its findings remain undisclosed until his recovery progresses.