A two-point field goal for successful shots beyond 40 metres will be introduced in the next NRL season as one of multiple rule changes endorsed by the Australian Rugby League Commission (ARLC).

The field-goal rule tweak will be introduced in an effort to increase the chance of a result changing in the final stages of a match.

It comes alongside the retention of the controversial six-again rule for 10-metre and ruck infringements, tweaks to the scrum, captain’s challenge, play-the-ball and trainer protocols designed to speed up the contest.

ARLC chairman Peter V’landys said the innovative rule changes would lead to faster games and more unpredictability.

“These innovations will lead to less stoppages, more unpredictability and increased excitement for our fans,” he said.

“The message from the fans and our broadcasters has been clear; the game became too predictable and the balance between attack and defence had gone too far in favour of defence.

“Our changes last year were successful in addressing some of those challenges and the changes announced today will take the element of unpredictability and entertainment a step further.”

V’landys said he hoped the field-goal rule change would encourage teams to attack until the final siren in each half.

It was introduced following a survey of NRL account holders and club members.

“You’ve got to give the customer what they want,” V’landys said.

“It is clear the new innovations last season were a success … the six-again rule has addressed the biggest issue that was in the game and that was the wrestle.

“The changes have sped up the ruck and made the game more free flowing, which is exactly what the commission wanted to see.”

AAP



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