Melbourne Storm skipper Harry Grant has urged the NRL to be open to making revisions to the new interchange rules if his concerns over them come to fruition.
The ARLC on Wednesday announced four rules changes for the 2026 season, which notably did not include the controversial overhaul to kick-offs following tries.
But one of the inclusions was an expansion of the bench from four to six players, although only four of them can be used in any game. The number of interchanges permitted remains at eight.
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On Thursday morning, Grant said he was worried several players would effectively become perpetual bench-warmers.
“I do understand it and see where the protection of players comes into it, but … there could be potentially three guys that sit on the bench and don’t get to play many minutes or any footy over a long period of time over the season,” he said on Nine’s Today on Thursday morning.
Melbourne Storm skipper Harry Grant has warned the expanded bench could result in more bench-warming players. NRL Photos
“That’s a little bit of a worry, (but) I guess it’s sort of trial and error. Fingers crossed they’re open to change if we need to.
“That’s probably one thing that does concern me. Given we’re not increasing the interchanges, there will be a lot of guys that don’t get to play much footy during the season.”
The other changes approved by the ARLC are restrictions on when trainers can enter the field and the removal of the seven-tackle set following an in-goal knock-on by the attacking team. The threshold for a tackle count restart for “certain infringements” has also been moved from the 40m line to the 20m line.
The trainer change comes after Jayden Campbell’s goal kick attempt was interrupted by a Panthers trainer last season, leading to plenty of calls for an overhaul.
Under the proposed changes to the kick-off rules, which were left out of this season’s changes, the non-scoring team would have the option to either kick off or receive the ball from a restart.
The proposed alteration was pushed hard by the ARL Commission but ultimately did not receive enough support from the clubs.
It will be utilised as part of games late in the season with no bearing on the finals before further consideration heading into 2027.
“The consultation process was thorough and constructive, and while there was initial support for the kick-off proposal, stakeholders raised legitimate concerns,” ARLC chairman Peter V’landys said in a statement.
“After weighing that feedback carefully, the Commission determined that it was not in the best interests of the game to proceed with that particular change at this time.
“The changes that are being implemented are intended to build on the success of the 2025 season by enhancing the entertainment value for fans, while also providing additional tactical options for coaches.
“The game is in a brilliant place. The players are producing incredible feats and the fans are responding. These changes will enhance the game further and continue to ensure this is the best and most watched sport in the country.”
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