Two-point field goals, scrum overhauls in NRL rule changes

Two-point field goals will return among a host of changes to be introduced for the 2021 season.

Sweeping rule changes will be introduced for next year’s NRL competition.

The return of two-point field goals, a reduction in scrums and a crackdown on 10-metre offside play are among sweeping rule changes to be introduced for next year’s NRL competition.

The independent commission has today rubber-stamped a series of recommendations from the NRL’s innovations committee that include two-point field goals for shots taken outside the 40m line.

In other key changes:

• Balls that go into touch will result in a play the ball rather than a scrum. The same will occur for players who are forced into touch.

• All 10-metre off-side penalties will be replaced with a “Six Again” ruling, the same as with play-the-ball infringements.

• Players will be penalised for breaking from scrums early before the referee calls “break”.

• And teams will not lose a captain’s challenge if video evidence is inconclusive.

Clint Gutherson kicks a field goal for the Eels.

The latest round of rule changes will ensure games are even faster and more furious next season.

The bunker adjudication process will also be altered when the referee believes a try has been scored. Teams will line up the conversion while the decision is being reviewed, rather than stand around and waiting for countless replays.

“These innovations will lead to less stoppages, more unpredictability and increased excitement for our fans,’’ said independent commission chairman Peter V’landys.

“The message from the fans and our broadcasters has been clear; the game became too predictable and the balance between attack and defence had gone too far in favour of defence.

“Our changes last year were successful in addressing some of those challenges and the changes announced today will take the element of unpredictability and entertainment a step further.”

The field goal rule is the most controversial. It was 50 years ago in 1970 that field goals were reduced from two points to one.