The NRL have announced one significant rule change will be applied in 2024 with teams no longer penalised so severely for opting to go with a short kickoff or drop-out.
Previously, referees would award a penalty in front of the posts if a’ drop-out failed to travel the required 10m distance, while a penalty was also awarded for a failed kickoff. However, this won’t be the case this season with teams instead awarded a set restart in a move which is designed to encourage more contests for the ball.
NRL rule changes for 2024: Why the short kick-off and drop-out penalty was altered
"While relatively minor, this change will add to the unpredictability of the game," NRL Executive General Manager, Graham Annesley, said.
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"Teams will no longer risk conceding significant territory as well as a penalty for attempting to regain possession from restarts of play."
In a media release announcing the rule change which will be applied from the Pre-Season Challenge onwards, the NRL noted a reduction in the severity of penalty was to promote more contests for the ball in open 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," Annesley continued.
"This will strongly accompany the Commission’s direction to enhance the existing rules, leading to a faster, more free-flowing and unpredictable game."
Instead of a penalty being awarded directly in front of the posts for a failed drop-out, or a penalty to allow a team a significant territorial gain from a failed kick-off, the non-offending side will now be handed possession through a play-the-ball.
This in turn will eradicate the option for teams to take the easy two points in front of goal and keep the ball in play through a fresh set.
"The change has been approved by the Commission and was communicated today to the clubs and coaches," the NRL added.
