NRL kick-off trial: Why Paul Gallen calls the change 'ridiculous'

Australian rugby league fans will get a first-grade look at one of the NRL's most contentious proposed rule changes when Brisbane host Melbourne on Thursday night. Under the trial, a team that concedes points can choose whether to kick off or receive the ball at the restart, rather than automatically kicking possession back to the scoring side. The NRL hopes the option could reduce runaway scoring and add tactical variety, but Paul Gallen, Phil Gould and James Tedesco have all questioned whether the game needs it.

What Is Happening

The Broncos-Storm Round 26 match at Suncorp Stadium will be used to test the restart option under first-grade conditions. After a try, penalty goal or field goal, the side that conceded the points will be able to decide whether it wants to kick off or receive possession.

The current system normally gives the team that has just scored possession again from the following kick-off. Supporters of the change argue that this can help a dominant side build extended runs of possession and turn a lead into a blowout. Giving the conceding team an alternative creates a decision between possession and field position.

Melbourne general manager of football Frank Ponissi said the Storm had opposed introducing the rule earlier in the year but supported testing it. He said the club would approach Thursday's game without a predetermined strategy because the practical consequences are still unknown.

The Background

The idea was proposed before the 2026 season but was put on hold following resistance from clubs. A coaching committee that included Wayne Bennett, Ivan Cleary, Craig Bellamy, Ricky Stuart and Craig Fitzgibbon considered the proposal during the off-season, while clubs argued that such a substantial change should not be rushed into the competition.

Bennett has been one of the most prominent supporters. He has argued that teams uncomfortable with the option can simply continue kicking off under the existing method. Panthers coach Ivan Cleary has raised the opposite concern, saying the change could make dramatic comebacks harder by altering the possession pattern after points are scored.

There is also precedent for changing restart arrangements. Gould said a similar concept was tried during the Super League era and argued that it made matters worse. Former player Gorden Tallis, who played in the 1997 Super League competition when the scoring team kicked off, offered a more positive view and said a strong defensive side could use the restart to pin opponents deep in their own territory.

The Latest Development

The NRL has chosen Brisbane and Melbourne because neither side can reach the 2026 finals. Brisbane sit 15th, while Melbourne have missed the finals for the first time since 2010, according to News.com.au. That makes their prime-time match a high-profile test without affecting the finals race.

Gallen has become one of the strongest critics ahead of the experiment. Speaking on Nine's 100% Footy, he said: “Honestly, this is ridiculous. We don’t need all these rule changes, the game’s been so good for such a long time, I don’t get this one.” Tedesco also said he was not a fan, although he wanted to see how the trial worked in practice.

The NRL may conduct another trial when Parramatta face St George Illawarra in the final round, with further opportunities possible in matches that have no finals implications.

What It Means

For supporters, Thursday's match offers a practical test of an argument that has so far been largely theoretical. A team trailing after conceding points could choose possession and try to answer immediately. Alternatively, it might still kick long if field position, weather or confidence in its defence makes that option more attractive.

The wider significance is that the NRL is considering a change capable of altering one of rugby league's familiar momentum patterns. Peter V'landys has defended previous innovations including the six-again rule, captain's challenge, two-point field goal and short line drop-out as changes designed to increase unpredictability and entertainment.

What Remains Unclear

The biggest unanswered question is how often teams will actually choose to kick off when receiving possession is available. Ponissi said Melbourne had not decided in advance what it would do, while Fox Sports commentators suggested the decision could change according to the scoreboard, momentum, attacking strength, defence, weather and the kicking ability of the opposition.

The trial also does not settle whether the rule will become permanent. The NRL is using these matches to see how the option operates under competition conditions after clubs successfully resisted its immediate introduction before the season.

FAQ

What is the new NRL kick-off rule?

The team that concedes points can choose whether to kick off or receive the ball at the next restart.

When will the NRL first trial the rule?

The first trial is scheduled for Thursday night's Round 26 match between Brisbane and Melbourne at Suncorp Stadium.

Why is the NRL testing the change?

The proposal is intended to reduce long possession swings, limit blowout scorelines and introduce another tactical choice after points are scored.

Why did Paul Gallen criticise it?

Gallen called the proposal “ridiculous” and said he did not believe rugby league needed further rule changes.

Do teams have to receive the ball after conceding points?

No. The proposal gives the conceding team a choice, so it can still kick off under the traditional method.

Could the rule be used permanently in 2027?

The Sydney Morning Herald reported that the trial could be a precursor to permanent introduction in 2027, but no final decision is confirmed in the supplied reports.