Star players react to NRL's massive rule changes

Some of the game’s best players have reacted to one of the biggest rule changes of the NRL era as mystery shrouds how it will actually be applied in-game.

The NRL have officially confirmed that the size of the bench will increase from four to six, however, interchanges will remain at eight and only four of the six players can be activated.

The six-again threshold has also been changed meaning any relevant infractions that did come with a penalty inside a side’s own 40 metres will now only be penalised within their 20 metre zone.

The significance of the bench change allows teams to carry cover for two extra positions to accompany the traditional three-forward and bench hooker structure.

It effectively diminishes the role of true utility players with versatility no longer as valuable for sides.

With the rule changes only confirmed three days before the first pre-season trials, even teams who pre-empted the introduction of new rules haven’t had lots of time to practice.

Sea Eagles captain Tom Trbojevic says it will be tough to judge the impact of the new bench sizes until the season kicks off.

“On the six interchange players, we can't really train for it because you don't know how it's gonna look until you're in a game,” Trbojevic told SEN 1170 Breakfast.

“Training's a bit different from a game, but we've definitely been training that rule that the six again (is) from 20 metres out.

“It's not too different. Obviously, you'd probably like to know the rules a bit earlier, but… we've still got a bit of time to prepare and get on with them.”

Cronulla Sharks’ second-rower Teig Wilton was another curious to see how the change would translate to real-game applications.

“It'll be interesting to see how different teams go about it,” Wilton told SEN 1170 Afternoons.

“Obviously, two extra players on the bench opens up a bit more opportunity for players to get a game.

“I think it also offers a bit more specialisation too.

“I think that the utility player isn't as necessary when you've got those extra few players on the bench, but it'll be interesting to see how different teams go about it, and what sort of personnel they hold in those extra spots.”

One speculated rule change that didn’t eventuate was controversial changes to the kick off.

Under the proposed rule change, the team that concedes points would have the option to kick off or receive the ball, where currently, and in the 2026 season, the conceding team will still only be able to kick off.

It was a change that received widespread criticism from players and coaches, with many - Wayne Bennett not included, vocal in their negative stance towards the change.

“I think it's a good thing that it hasn't been changed,” Wilton said.

“In the spirit (and) the fabric of our game, I don't think you should be rewarded for a negative play.

“I don't think you should be able to get the opportunity to get the ball back.

“I think it's a good thing that they scrapped it… the kickoff rule's fine the way it is.”

Trbojevic was also glad to see the rule on the chopping room floor, for now.

“I was probably on the not-bringing-it-in side, but I'm quite happy that they're the same,” Trbojevic revealed.

The NRL confirmed the kick off rule will be trialled at the back end of the 2026 season in games with no bearing on the finals outcome, ahead of a potential 2027 introduction.