Racing
League
Rugby
Cricket
Golf
Olympics
Football
Netball
Motorsport
Combat Sports
Basketball
Other Sports
Sport Nation
Full Noise by SN
Important update on 1476AM'Protect assets': NRL edict on contact training backed
Joel Gould, AAP •  April 21st, 2026 4:52 pm
The NRL has brought in new guidelines to limit the amount of contact training each week | Photo: AAP
The NRL's guidelines on limiting contact training to enhance player welfare have received the thumbs-up from Adam Reynolds as the heightened speed of the ruck and the link to injury continues to create debate.
The Broncos captain on Tuesday addressed issues dealing with player welfare and the controversial increase of six-agains in 2026.
His comments follow the Rugby League Players' Association requesting a data pack from the NRL, which the players' union said in a statement would "include key statistics relating to the speed of the game, play-the-balls, injuries and more".
The ABC reported on Tuesday all clubs had been notified prior to the season kick-off that, in-season, their players were to "engage in no more than 100 minutes on a regular seven-day turnaround".
For the NRLW, which starts in July, that figure is reduced to no more than 85 minutes.
On a five or six-day turnaround that reduces to no more than 40 or 50 minutes of contact for the NRLW and NRL.
"The training load guidelines are designed to enhance player safety and have been developed following extensive research," the NRL told AAP in a statement.
Reynolds, one of the game's most respected statesmen, welcomed the move which had only recently come to public light.
Adam Reynolds has backed the RLPA's move to seek more data on the pace of the game and injuries | Photo: Darren England/AAP
"Players are the main product of the game and you want to protect those assets as much as possible," Reynolds said.
Limiting concussions and thus reducing the short and long-term impacts of head knocks is a factor in the NRL's introduction of the guidelines.
Reynolds said players "have a duty of care to look after one another" but said he knew the risks that came with playing rugby league.
"I know what I signed up for. There's accidents that are a part of any sport, not just rugby league," he said.
Brisbane have 12 players on the injury list - either unavailable or in doubt - ahead of their home clash with Canterbury.
Following consultation with leading players, the RLPA said it "warned the NRL that fast-tracked rule changes could have unintended consequences for both the game and player welfare".
Reynolds said he appreciated the RLPA seeking official data on the issue.
"The RLPA do a fantastic job and they are always looking after their players," he said.
"The RLPA do a fantastic job and they are always looking after their players," he said.
"If that means digging a bit deeper to find out why there is so many injuries in the game, that's them doing their job and I credit them for that."
The interpretation of ruck infringements, now in favour of the attacking team more than ever, has divided opinion across the game.
Canberra coach Ricky Stuart said recently the balance had gone too far towards the attacking side.
"We've lost the fabric of the game," he said. "Making the game faster doesn't necessarily make it more attractive."
South Sydney coach Wayne Bennett, however, is a fan.
"We've got a game that is full of entertainment right now," he said.
Reynolds was asked if he'd like to see more reward for defensive sides that win the ruck battle.
"I'd like to see it that way but it might not be the way the NRL want it to be. It's just about finding common ground and working towards that," he said.
