Following consultation, the ARLC has approved the introduction of the following on-field rule changes for the 2026 season:
Trainer rules – Trainers will be restricted from entering the field of play to prescribed and clearly defined circumstances. This will ensure player safety remains the priority while reducing unnecessary intrusions by Trainers carrying messages.
So, when can trainers enter the field? The changes only impact the blue shirt trainers where they can only enter the field of play after tries have been scored, or during stoppages in play for a goal line drop out.
The orange shirt trainers are medical staff and are not impacted by this change. They can enter the field at any time but not send messages to uninjured players.
The cynic in me expects to see more orange trainers on the field during attacking phases.
The Creator
Interchange rules – Teams may interchange four players, up to eight times per match, from a squad of six players (players 14 to 19 inclusive).
This is great news for players and fans where the team interchange bench no longer contains three forwards and a utility. Expect teams to add two specialist backs on the bench. This gives fringe halves the opportunity to show their wares. The biggest winners are those teams with an elite starting backline and good depth.
Who said the Panthers dynasty is over?
The Creator
Accidental breach (“zero tackle”) in-goal – There will be no seven-tackle set following a knock-on in-goal by the attacking team.
Restarting the tackle count – For certain infringements beyond the 20-metre line, the tackle count will restart, replacing the current 40-metre threshold.
What are the said certain infringements? Namely, ruck and offside (i.e. pretty everything bar foul play). I am not a fan of this rule change which reverts back to the original six-again rule change that coaches took advantage of giving away a set restart while setting their defensive line. Some teams were coached to do this every time they kicked the ball knowing there was no real penalty restarting on tackle one or two, 20 metres out from the opposition line.
I would much rather received a penalty, kick the ball down field and start with a full set of tackles You always had the opportunity for a quick tap.
The Creator
To Kick-off or Receive
The much-debated rule change to give the non-scoring team the option to kick-off or receive will now be trialed in matches with no bearing on the finals toward the end of the 2026 season.
It’s pretty obvious the non-scoring team will always receive. You can’t score or win the match without the ball in your hands.
The Creator
