NRL considering dramatic rule change which would see matches extend past 80 minutes

The NRL is considering a dramatic change which would see matches go beyond the 80 minute mark in a bid to combat teams exploiting set restarts.

Ben Hunt celebrates the win over the Raiders. (Photo by Mark Nolan/Getty Images)

The NRL are considering a shock rule change which could see the game extend beyond the 80 minute mark and stop teams intentionally giving away set restarts in the dying stages of games with the match in the balance.

The Daily Telegraph has learnt the NRL will explore the potential of teams having to play out their set of six even if the game clock has elapsed.

That means for example, if you are in possession with just 15 seconds to go before the halftime or full-time siren then the referee will allow you to play out your set regardless if the match clock has expired.

The half or match will end after the last tackle of the set or if the attacking team gives away possession.

The rule shift would stop defending teams from intentionally giving away set restarts to run the clock down in the dying stages.

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The NRL conceded Ben Hunt should have been sin-binned in the Dragons’ win over the Raiders. Picture: Mark Nolan/Getty

It is understood the NRL’s rule committee will explore the potential change in the off-season ahead of the 2023 season. It stems from an unforeseen work around clubs have made against the set restart rule.

A raft of communication received by the NRL and recommendations from some clubs have prompted the move to be considered.

The potential comes to a head following the controversial finish to the Dragons and Raiders match earlier this month.

The match ended in a farcical fashion when the Raiders were denied an opportunity to play out the set because St George Illawarra intentionally gave away set restarts as they clung onto a two-point lead.

St George Illawarra skipper happily conceded a set restart for a flop and then for not standing square as the clock ticked down to the final seconds.

The Raiders were denied a genuine last shot at snatching the lead.

Isaah Yeo of the Blues is tackled in the last play of the match during game one. Picture: Mark Kolbe/Getty

Under the potential new rule the Dragons defensive line would be put under significant strain if they are forced to defend multiple repeat sets to allow Canberra to play out the final set.

The Blues also would have had a chance to draw the scores level in the opening State of Origin. Isaah Yeo was caught centimetres short but the Maroons defence held onto the Blues lock who was unable to get up and play the ball in time. The Blues still had two tackles left when the clock stopped.

The opening game of the 2020 Origin was spoiled when six Queensland players jumped on James Tedesco to stop him from playing the ball before the siren with a full set left. The Blues trailed by four and were just 10 metres short of Queensland’s line.