Peter V'landys has doubled down on the NRL's proposed kick-off rule change, insisting the commission won't shy away from reform as it chases a record-breaking broadcast deal for the game's next cycle.
The controversial proposal would allow the team that concedes a try to choose whether they kick off or receive the ball, a move that has been unanimously rejected by all 17 clubs.
Despite that pushback, V'landys maintains the consultation process is ongoing and no final call has been made.
"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 to gather further feedback on a suite of potential rule changes earmarked for the 2026 season, with V'landys stressing innovation is key to continued growth.
"What people have to understand is that we have to make the game exciting for the fans," he said.
"We had 137 million viewers in 2019.
"Now we've got 224 million."
V'landys pointed to the success of recent changes, including six-again restarts and the two-point field goal, as proof that the NRL's willingness to evolve has paid dividends, particularly as negotiations loom over a broadcast deal expected to exceed $5 billion.
"Sometimes leadership means you've got to make tough decisions," he said.
"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."
While conceding the kick-off shake-up remains under review, V'landys argued the added tactical element could help prevent games from becoming one-sided and keep fans engaged.
"The fact you can choose to kick off or receive is tactical," he said.
"It brings unpredictability to the game."
Whether that argument sways clubs remains to be seen, but it is clear that the ARL Commission isn't backing away from change anytime soon.
