'Strategic element': New rules create exciting role for young stars

Cronulla coach Craig Fitzgibbon has declared new interchange rules will add a strategic element to NRL matches will providing a platform for emerging stars to make their first-grade debut. 

The ARLC announced four changes for the 2026 season, with benches to be expanded from four players to six. Coaches will still only be able to use four players off their interchange during a match. 

The change ensures teams have cover in the case of early injuries, helping games remain an even contest for the full 80 minutes. Beyond injury cover, it will add a strategic dynamic as coaches weigh up which of their six players they will utilise.

Trailing teams could inject an exciting outside back or playmaker, such as Trai Fuller, into the final stages of a match in a desperate bid to score points, creating an attacking finish to the second half. Other sides could opt for a specialist field goal kicker who could come on with the scores tied and the game on the line.

Given the extensive opportunities, Fitzgibbon said coaches will be required to think on their feet as they adapt to in-game situations. 

"It will be up to coaches to decide if they want to hold a player back for an injury or have a point-of-difference player," Fitzgibbon told NRL.com. "There is that strategic element and it will be horses for courses because you've got to weigh up where your squad's at. 

"You've got to weigh up what you've got in your team and on your bench. We've got multiple players that can play multiple positions so we'll go in with a plan and if that plan deviates, then we'll adjust on the fly. If there's an injury or a strategic change, you can implement it so it's nice to have that option."

The three other rule changes regard the ability for trainers to enter the field, set restarts and a tweak to the seven-tackle set rule:

• 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.
• Interchange rules – Teams may interchange four players, up to eight times per match, from a squad of six players (players 14 to 19 inclusive).
• 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.

Fans will have the first chance to witness the changes during this weekend's Witzer Pre-Season Challenge double-header at Jubilee Oval. 

The interchange rules will make their debut in the NRL season opener at Allegiant Stadium in Las Vegas.

While the extended benches allow for more tactical variety, they also provide an opportunity to integrate rookies into the NRL.

Emerging playmakers, such as Manly's Joey Walsh, will have the chance to warm up with the first-grade team and sit on the bench while the starting halves begin the game. 

An injury, or tactical decision, would see the youngster injected into the contest and given a chance to find their feet. 

While there have been concerns raised about the development of young players, Manly coach Anthony Seibold said he would allow Walsh to play reserve grade before sitting on the bench in jumper No.18 to ensure he continues to receive adequate playing time. 

"If Joey's not playing seven or six, he'll be in our 19 every week," Seibold told NRL.com. "We've got to make sure we manage his development so he continues to grow and plays NSW Cup if he's not selected in the starting side. 

"It's something we've done with our 18th man over the last two years and quite a few clubs do it too. We've had our 18th man play 50 or 60 minutes of reserve grade then come off, do recovery and suit up for the main game. 

"We've got to make sure we get the balance right between those younger guys playing enough football because if they haven't played footy for three or four weeks, then all of a sudden they're called upon to play, they don't have the match fitness. There is a balance but I really like it for their development and it gives you good options from a tactical point of view."

The final change considered for this season was an adjustment to the kick-off rule, with a proposal for conceding teams given the option to choose between kicking off or receiving. 

After extensive consultation, the ARLC has decided to conduct a trial later in the year using games featuring teams out of finals contention, rather than a full-scale roll out from Round 1.

Fitzgibbon was on the coach's committee that discussed the change and said a trial is the best way to determine the impact of such a major change. 

"It was a rule that was well discussed, we went through the pros and cons of it," Fitzgibbon said. "I personally was against it but I'm happy to be wrong if the trial is successful and it works.

"My belief is I'd rather the momentum and the comebacks that we had last year. I think that's what the fans want but some people disagreed and now we'll have a trial to see what impact it has and whether it should be brought in."

Rugby league returns on February 7 when the Witzer Pre-Season Challenge kicks off. Catch all the action live on Fox Sports and Kayo.