NRL 2024 official rule change: Graham Annesley confirms changes to drop-outs, kick-offs
Rugby League’s best kickers have been given extra motivation to roll the dice on short drop-outs and kick-offs, following a new rule change made by the NRL. See how the new rule will work.
NRL
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Rugby League’s best kickers have been given extra motivation to roll the dice on short drop-outs and kick-offs, following a new rule change made by the NRL.
NRL General Manager of Football Graham Annesley has confirmed that ahead of the 2024 season team’s will no longer be at risk of being penalised for failing to correctly perform a contested re-start.
“If a team kicks the ball out on the full over the touch line, or the ball fails to travel at least 10 metres forward in an attempt to contest a restart from the goal-line, 20m line, or halfway line, play will now restart with a play-the-ball 10 metres out from the line of the kick and 10 metres in from touch, rather than with a penalty kick,’’ Annesley said.
“The change will give more incentive for teams to attempt short kick-offs or drop-outs.
“While relatively minor, this change will add to the unpredictability of the game.
“Teams will no longer risk conceding significant territory as well as a penalty for attempting to regain possession from restarts of play.
“We undertook a thorough review of the 2023 season, including consultation with the NRL Clubs, the RLPA and other stakeholders, and while there was a strong desire to keep changes to a minimum, this minor change will incentivise short kick-offs and drop-outs.
“This will strongly accompany the Commission’s direction to enhance the existing rules, leading to a faster, more free-flowing and unpredictable game.”
The NRL said the change has been approved by the ARL Commission and was communicated on Wednesday to all 17 NRL clubs and coaches.
Originally published as NRL 2024 official rule change: Graham Annesley confirms changes to drop-outs, kick-offs
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