The NRL will tackle the issue of players not attempting to strike the ball with their foot in the play-the-ball and has put the game’s controversial bunker and judicial process in the spotlight before the 2025 season.
In an email sent to all 17 chief executives this week – and less than a fortnight after premiership-winning coach Ivan Cleary delivered a scathing assessment of bunker officiating – the NRL has formally asked for feedback about potential changes for next year.
In the correspondence, obtained by this masthead, the NRL has sought suggestions on how it can improve on-field officiating, bunker decisions, the match review committee and the judiciary system as well as concussion protocols.
Panthers coach Cleary was stinging in his critique of the bunker after Sunia Turuva was denied a try in their preliminary final win over the Sharks due to an obstruction against Luke Garner on Siosifa Talakai.
Cleary said the decision was “terrible” and filled him with “anxiety” for the grand final, which Penrith eventually won against the Storm to secure their fourth straight title. He escaped a formal sanction from the NRL, who later conceded the bunker decision was wrong.
But the correspondence with all clubs means Cleary and the other 16 coaches will have their chance to formalise their opinions to the NRL, with Australian Rugby League Commission chairman Peter V’landys also open to putting together a committee to debate the ideas.
The Penrith Panthers celebrate their grand final triumph.Credit: Getty Images
The NRL has already privately conceded it will have to address the deterioration of the play-the-ball throughout this season, where players were openly stepping over the ball and making no effort to strike it in a bid to speed up the ruck.
This masthead obtained images of the Panthers legitimately trying to play the ball correctly only once in 11 tackles during their miraculous comeback win against the Eels in August, scoring three tries in consecutive sets.
Some of the game’s highest-profile players – Nathan Cleary, Isaah Yeo and Brian To’o – made little to no attempt to touch the ball with their foot.
The survey of all clubs has also asked for a summation of how minor interpretation changes were received throughout the year, including leg lifting by a third defender in a tackle, lending weight to a ball-carrying teammate, disruptors, surrender tackles, obstruction and sin-bins for high tackles.
“Firstly, it’s important to remember that overall the game is in great shape,” NRL head of football Graham Annesley said. “While fan engagement has never been higher, the commission is always focused on ensuring the views of stakeholders are at the forefront of planning for every new season.
“As such, we are currently undertaking our annual process of gathering feedback from clubs, club members and commercial partners.
“The data, trends, and feedback provided will be collated, analysed and considered by the commission to determine whether any rules, policies or procedures require tweaking for the 2025 season.”
The NRL only made small interpretation changes for this season, headed by teams that restart play incorrectly with a short dropout or kick-off conceding a play-the-ball to the opposition, rather than a penalty.
Clubs are also expected to provide feedback to head office about how they perceive the game to be covered by its broadcast and media partners.
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