The NRL has officially announced that only one rule change will be enacted ahead of the 2022 season, with a slight tweak for the six again rule confirmed.
In a bid to reduce blowouts, teams will be awarded penalties instead of set restarts (six agains) for infringements when a team is attacking from its own defensive half.
As teams will now receive a penalty, they’ll have the opportunity to kick for touch and advance their field position, in theory giving teams less incentive to infringe on the rules when defending in a favourable position.
The NRL’s official statement regarding the rule change reads: “Penalties will be awarded instead of set restarts (six again) for ruck or 10m infringements inside the 40m zone of the team in possession.
“This will provide an additional deterrence to defending teams who are willing to concede set restarts to gain a tactical advantage.
“It will also provide more opportunities for teams receiving the penalty to attack from a better field position.”
In addition to the six again tweak, team lists will be increased from 21 to 22 to include an 18th man, while free interchanges will only be granted in instances of foul play when a player is sin binned instead of simply being placed on report.
Trainers will also no longer be able to stop play for an injury unless it is to the head.
For other injuries, only a referee, touch judge or the bunker will be able to stop play.