Player survey rates impact of rule changes on NRL season

The Rugby League Players Association surveyed 57 player leaders to understand the players’ perspective on the impact of the rules and interpretations introduced by the NRL for the 2026 season.

In a commitment to transparency, the RLPA has released the results, so the wider industry and fans have a better understanding of the players’ positions.

The 57 players surveyed were mostly RLPA Delegates from every NRL club. Players surveyed covered every position on the field and ranged from playing in their first season of NRL to over their 15th.

“The rule changes introduced by the NRL for the 2026 season have been a prominent topic of discussion for players, coaches, administrators, and fans alike,” said Clint Newton, the CEO of the RLPA.

“As the RLPA continues to work with the NRL to better understand their decision making as well as the data that impacts player injuries, welfare and the length of their careers, we believe this player survey will play an important role in understanding what is happening on the field and at training.”

“The results of this player survey will be a key asset for the players’ association as we advocate for our members now and in the coming years.”

“The game was in a fantastic position financially and with fans heading into this season. We have seen some great rugby league in 2026, and we are excited about the upcoming NRLW season. The RLPA wants to keep working with the game to ensure we continue to best serve the players, fans and all key stakeholders.”

The results of the player survey below have 57 responses, unless otherwise stated. Percentages are rounded to the nearest half a per cent.

The player survey was completed following the conclusion of Round 10 of the current 2026 NRL season.

Comparing this season’s match demands to 2025, how would you rate:

Overall match speed?

In total, 96.5% of respondents answered that they believe overall match speed for the 2026 season has increased or significantly increased. No players surveyed answered that overall match speed has decreased at all.

Overall physical match intensity?

Almost three quarters of players, or 74%, responded that overall physical match intensity has significantly increased or increased for the 2026 NRL season. Only 8% of players surveyed responded that there has been a drop in overall physical match intensity.

This question had 38 responses.

Amount of continuous play (time spent without stoppage)?

Most players who answered this question, or 77.5%, believe that the amount of continuous play has significantly increased or increased for the 2026 NRL season. Only 9.5% of players surveyed believe the amount of continuous play has decreased this season.

This question had 53 responses.

Comparing this season’s fatigue and in-game load to 2025, how would you rate:

Level of fatigue during matches?

According to the players surveyed, the level of fatigue during matches in 2026 has increased dramatically. While no players answered that fatigue has decreased, 94.5% of players believe the level of fatigue during matches has significantly increased or increased.

Comparing this season’s fatigue and in-game load to 2025, how often:

Do you feel physically fatigued in the later stages of matches?

Compared to last season, 73.5% of players surveyed feel that they are always or often more fatigued in later stages of matches. Only 2% of players surveyed responded that they rarely feel physically fatigued in later stages of matches this season compared to last.

Does fatigue impact your tackling or skill technique?

In an indication of how fatigue may be impacting injuries and discipline, a third of respondents answered that fatigue always impacts their tackling or skill technique compared to 2025 with another third saying often. Only 3.5% of players answered that in 2026 fatigue rarely impacts their tackling or skill technique.

Comparing this season’s match dynamics to 2025, how much impact do you feel:

Referee interpretations have had on match results?

More than half the players responded that referee interpretations are having much more of an impact on match results, while almost another third of players answered that referee interpretations are having slightly more of an impact on match results. In total, 84% of players believe referee interpretations have had more of an impact on match results in 2026.

Only 2% of players answered that referee interpretations are having less of an impact on match results.

Comparing this season’s match dynamics to 2025, how much impact do you feel:

The 2026 rule changes have on your enjoyment of playing NRL?

Almost half the players who responded answered that they enjoy the 2026 rule changes as much as last season, while 39% of players who responded enjoy playing NRL slightly less or much less than 2025.

Comparing this season’s recovery and post-match impact to 2025, how would you rate:

Your ability to recover between matches?

In a sign of the impact the rule changes are having on the players’ bodies, almost half of players who responded (49.5%) answered that their ability to recover between matches was slightly or much worse than 2025. No players responded that their ability to recover between matches was slightly or much better than 2025.

Your level of physical soreness in the 48 hours after a match?

Almost two-thirds of respondents (65%) indicate that they feel their physical soreness two days after a match is slightly or much worse than last season. Only 2% of respondents answered that their physical soreness is better two days after a match.

Comparing this season’s training and preparation to 2025, how has the intensity between matches changed?

The impact of the new rule changes and interpretations on training is indicated by 45.5% of respondents answering that Training and Preparation intensity has increased between matches in 2026, with a further 5.5% answering it has significantly increased.

Comparing this season’s training and preparation to 2025, how has the balance between recovery and training shifted during the week?

While 56% of players answered that there was no change in the balance between recovery and training during the week, 33.5% of players answered that the balance has shifted to somewhat more or much more recovery this season.

Considering this season’s turnarounds, how many days between matches do you feel you need for recovery before you are ready to train?

Of the players surveyed, most players (61%) believe two days of recovery is what is required before they begin training after a match. No players answered that one day recovery was enough, while three days was answered by 31.5% of players.

This question had 54 responses.

Compared* to 2025, is this:

When comparing recovery days to last season, 67.5% of players said their answer was about the same while 31% answered it was more days.

Considering your peak performance so far this season to 2025, how would you rate your:

Ability to consistently perform at your best across the season?

Most players in the survey, 59.5%, believe their ability to perform consistently at their best across the season is about the same as 2025. While 16% said it was higher, 24.5% answered that it was slightly or much lower.

Level of concern about injury during a match?

When asked about injury, 61.5% of players answered that their concerns are slightly or much higher than 2025. About a third of players answered that it was the same as last season, while only 3.5% believe their concern is lower than 2025.

To what extent do you feel physically prepared for the current match demands this season?

In a sign of the incredibly professional approach of players to preparing for the elite level, almost half of players said they were very or extremely prepared for the current match demands. Only 3.5% of players surveyed felt they were not prepared at all while 40.5% felt they were moderately prepared.