NRL 2021: ARL Commission approves an 18th man from Round 5

It comes with a rotational clause but the introduction of the new 18th man rule into the NRL after round five is sure to be a boon for a select group of players.

Jake Friend is attended to by Roosters trainers after a head knock suffered against Manly in round 1 at the SCG.

The Australian Rugby League Commission has given approval in principle for NRL clubs to use an emerging player as an 18th man from round five.

The commission approved the change at their meeting on Tuesday morning, confirming it would be able to be used once a team had lost three players to concussion protocols.

The commission said that before the rule came into effect, they would hold talks with the players union, clubs and coaches over the definition of an emerging player.

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The NRL has also agreed to meet the travel costs of the 18th man. ARLC chair Peter V’landys said the commission had listened to players and clubs.

“This is a dynamic environment,” V’landys said.

“As a commission we have always said we would be agile in changing rules when it is in the best interests of the game and this is one of those examples.

“We see this as an opportunity to give an emerging player a taste of first grade rugby league in their team’s time of need.

Jake Friend is attended to by Roosters trainers after a head knock suffered against Manly in round 1 at the SCG.

“The 18th player will also have to be rotated weekly so you don’t have a young player missing out on playing lower grades every week.

“All fans agree we don’t want to see a situation where a club is left with one player on the bench and this rule change will provide insurance for all clubs.

“It will also only be activated in the most dire of circumstances for a club, so we don’t see it having a material impact on games every week.”

The AFL introduced a substitution rule this season allowing for any player who suffers a match-ending injury, including concussion, to be replaced.

The ARL Commission has also given approval for Friday night’s match between Melbourne and the Brisbane to proceed at AAMI Park subject to the Broncos being granted a travel exemption by the Victorian government.

Canberra was left reeling against the Warriors. Picture: Gregg Porteous/NRL Photos

A final decision on the location of the match will be made by noon on Wednesday.

The commission agreed if government health orders prevent the match being played in Melbourne the game would be played at Stadium Australia as part of a double header on Friday.

NRL chief executive Andrew Abdo said the game would remain agile to ensure the competition proceeded.

“We have activated the scenario planning we had in place should there be an outbreak,” Abdo said.
“Yesterday we relocated the Brisbane Broncos to Sydney and today we have increased restrictions on players and clubs.

“We are confident Friday night’s game at AAMI Park will proceed however if the circumstances change then the game will be relocated to Sydney.”

Originally published as NRL 2021: ARL Commission approves an 18th man from Round 5