This revolutionary rule change would kick-start global domination for NRL

July 26, 2026 — 9:30am

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NRL boss Peter V’landys thinks big. So, here is a radical, revolutionary suggestion for him to capitalise on his $5.3 billion broadcasting rights war chest and achieve his dream of “global domination” for the code: Allow one attacking kick, or a forward pass, to an offside receiver per set of six tackles.

NRL halfbacks are so accurate at finding wingers, often on the run, with pinpoint kicks. They can execute with the boot what an NFL quarterback can with a pass to a deep, wide receiver.

Consider the scenario of, say, tackle three in an NRL game with one offside kick/pass per set. A pair of outside backs rush downfield, quickly followed by defenders. Instead of kicking the ball, the half decides to pass it laterally against a depleted defensive line. The ball is then carried deep into opposition territory. The attack still has the one kick to an offside player to use. If the ball is caught and grounded in goal by a teammate who was onside at tackle three, it’s a try.

V’landys has nominated Europe, dominated by soccer, and the USA where NFL wide receivers score most touchdowns, as homes of NRL franchises in the year 2050.

Ask soccer supporters their problem with rugby league and they’ll say “passing backwards”. Ask NFL fans what they admire about rugby league and they’ll say, “playing without helmets and pads.” Allow one kick to........

© Brisbane Times