‘Brings unpredictability’: V’landys backs ‘tactical’ kick-off change to grow NRL product

ARLC boss Peter V’landys has backed the proposed kick-off rule changes to create tactical entertainment as part of selling the game ahead of the next broadcast deal.

NRL clubs are almost unanimously against the proposed kick-off change, which will see teams conceding tries choose who kicks off, apart from Souths coach Wayne Bennett.

V’landys told The Daily Telegraph that the NRL are in a process of consultation with all parties, but ultimately would make a decision in the best interests of growing the sport.

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“We’re in the consultation period, so we’re listening to everybody’s views,” V’landys told The Daily Telegraph.

“Once we consider it all, we’ll make the decision.”

NRL CEO Andrew Abdo is set to meet with clubs this week, after initial pushback to potential rule changes for the 2026 season.

However, V’landys is adamant that innovation and evolution is the key to growing the game, rather than being stagnant and set in their ways.

“What people have to understand is that we have to make the game exciting for the fans,” V’landys said.

“We had 137 million viewers in 2019. Now we’ve got 224 million.”

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V’landys’ tenure as ARL Chairman has been highlighted by successful rule changes like the “six-again” rule and the “two-point field goal”, both of which had initial opposition.

However, they have ultimately resulted in making the on-field product more exciting for fans and investors, which has helped the NRL become a financial juggernaut in recent years.

V’landys is conscious of making the game more entertaining, particularly as negotiations loom over a broadcast deal, which is forecast to exceed $5 billion.

“Sometimes leadership means you’ve got to make tough decisions,” V’landys said.

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“You listen to people, but at the end of the day, as custodians, you do what you believe is in the best interests of the game.”

The tactical use of the new kick-off rule creates unpredictability and can help stop lopsided scorelines, according to V’landys, which will lead to a better product.

“The fact you can choose to kick off or receive is tactical,” he said.

“It brings unpredictability to the game.”

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