NRL ‘media cop’ to crackdown on negative coverage of game

August 2, 2026 — 5:00am

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An ex-judge could have the final word on overly negative media coverage of the NRL as the game’s governing body ramps up its crackdown on conflicts of interest within the code.

The NRL is set to assign an employee to act as a “media cop”, policing rugby league commentators who are perceived to have competing roles in the game. The employee’s remit will extend to callers perceived to be too negative in their coverage.

If individuals are deemed to have broken the NRL’s rules, they could be removed from their roles following a thorough process. This would involve a complaint being lodged by anyone to the networks. Talent would then be asked, via the networks, to explain their comments. If the explanation was not considered adequate, the NRL would refer the incident to an independent figure – potentially a judge or a senior lawyer – who would then determine whether the person should be removed from their role.

That would be a stunning call.

The NRL is saying the rule was welcomed by the networks and that it was not imposed on them.

As previously reported here, individuals working in the media will have to declare conflicts of interest on an NRL register, detailing their roles in the game outside of commentary. They will need to declare links to players, agents, boards, sponsors, and clubs. Networks will need to remind staff of their responsibilities.

The NRL may even look to employ an additional person to deal with the networks, along with other media-related tasks.

The NRL are calling the crackdown: “The Lancaster Rule”.

The name relates directly to the attacks on former Dragons coach Shane Flanagan from Fox Sports in the first few months of the 2025 NRL season. The vitriol led to St George Illawarra chairman Andrew Lancaster, who is also a Nine board member, criticising the media.

The rule is included as a clause in its recently signed-off $5.3 billion broadcast agreement with Nine (the owner of this masthead), Foxtel Group and Sky NZ.

Tigers culture under microscope

Tigers chief executive Shaun Mielekamp has defended Benji Marshall’s tight-knit “2005 club”, but has conceded he is open to changes at the struggling club.

This column has revealed there is concern about Marshall’s authority not being challenged enough – and we can tell you there will be a short and long-term attempt to shake up the coaching roster with a view to changing the culture of the team.

However, with contracts in place, it’s not an easy process.

The Adam Doueihi culture........

© The Age