SYDNEY, AUSTRALIA - SEPTEMBER 08: Referee Matt Cecchin is seen during the NRL Elimination Final match between the Penrith Panthers and the New Zealand Warriors at ANZ Stadium on September 8, 2018 in Sydney, Australia. (Photo by Matt Blyth/Getty Images)
The NRL is set to make several rule changes for the ‘dead rubber’ clashes in Round 20, as reported by The Daily Telegraph.
These changes will see a different use of the bunker and a reduced number of scrums. Referees will also signal six again for ten metre infringements instead of a penalty.
Forwards will need to be nominated on a team sheet to be allowed to pack down in scrums.
Whenever the ball is kicked into touch, scrums will be scrapped and a play ball restart will occur.
The way the bunker operates will also change, with tries no longer being referred to the bunker.
Instead, the bunker will review the try in the background to reduce game stoppages.
On-field try decisions may still be referred.
Rule changes will be in place for the Brisbane vs Cowboys game on Thursday night and the Warriors vs Manly game on Sunday.