NRL rule interpretation changes: Do’s and don’t list for 2024

The NRL has briefed the coaches on a host of shifts in attitudes towards certain elements of the game. They aren’t rule changes but they could still have a major impact on games, writes Michael Carayannis.

Brian To'o leg Picture: NRL Photos

Downtown kick-chasers and rugby maul-type plays are set to be abolished as the NRL looks to tighten rules which have been neglected in recent seasons.

All 17 coaches were recently briefed by the league on a host of shifts in attitudes towards certain elements of the game.

NRL head of football Graham Annesley said some of the trends needed addressing.

“Coaches have been pushing the envelope more and more so,” Annesley said.

“So it’s best to reset the standards now in training rather than on the field during matches.”

Unlike the NRL’s implementation of scrapping penalties for short kick-offs, these are not rule changes but rather shifts in emphasis.

Players will be put on notice for lifting the legs of players already held up be defenders in 2023. Picture: NRL Photos.

Among the shift in focus include;

– Removing sleepers in rucks when they keep the markers out of play

– Players being banned from driving their attacking teammate forward in a rugby-maul type situation

– Taking a non-stricter approach to deliberate knock-ons

– Protecting players who jump to retrieve a bouncing ball
– Putting players on notice who lift the leg of an attacker who is already being held up by defenders. There was a rise of this last season and put attacking players into a dangerous position

– Greater emphasis on keeping the 10 metres and ruck compliance.

Annesley said there was no blitz coming.

There will be a greater emphasis on protecting players who jump to catch a ball after Reuben Garrick was injured after this tackle from Charnze Nicoll-Klokstad last year. Picture: Screenshot.

“We are doing a reset, this is not a clamp down,” he said.

“The reason we are doing it now and the reason we have had a meeting with the coaches is we want them to fix these issues in training so that when we get to match day we don’t have to worry about it.

“There isn’t a blitz.

“If the coaches prepare their teams on this basis then they won’t have any concerns. It’s not our objective to start and stop the game and blowing penalties all over the field.

Clubs have also had match officials at training sessions in recent weeks to help enforce the changes.

One of the major shifts in thinking is in reference to the downtown rule.

Players have crept forward on the last play and despite keeping the 10 metres from where the ball is picked up, it has still presented less attacking opportunities for kick returns.

“There has always been a downtown rule but we need to bring attention back to it,” Annesley said. “Now a player from the kicker’s team cannot advance until the point where the ball goes over their head. They have to stay at least level with the ruck until then. In recent years when they knew their team was going to kick the ball they would tear down the field.”

Originally published as NRL rule interpretation changes: Do’s and don’t list for 2024