The NRL is reportedly set to change the rules surrounding blue-shirt trainers and limit the amount of time they’re allowed on the field from 2026. A number of controversies erupted in 2025 around trainers, with the Panthers and Cowboys both copping $10,000 fines for their blue-shirt trainers spraying water on the ball during a game.
Trainers Shane Elford and Mitch Dunn were both banned one game each for their actions. The Panthers also copped a $50,000 fine and had yellow-shirt trainer Corey Bocking banned for five games when he inadvertently ran in front of Jayden Campbell while the Gold Coast player was lining up for a sideline conversion.
The NRL is cracking down on the amount of time the blue-shirt trainers can spend on-field. Image: Getty/Fox
Fans have become increasingly frustrated with the amount of time the blue-shirt trainers spend on the field, and up until now they’ve been allowed to deliver tactical messages on the field of play three times per half (if their team is in possession). The trainers are often seen standing behind the players directing traffic and suggesting tactics while in good field position.
It’s been perfectly legal so long as it doesn’t occur more than three times per half and the trainer is off the field by the end of the fourth tackle. But The Daily Telegraph reported on Wednesday that the rules are set to change and blue-shirt trainers will be far more limited.
Mitch Dunn (L) and Shane Elford (R) were both banned one game each in 2025 for spraying water on the ball. Image: Fox League
Corey Bocking was hit with a five-game ban for running in front of Jayden Campbell. Image: Fox League
NRL cracks down on blue-shirt trainers on field
NRL CEO Andrew Abdo reportedly sent a proposal to clubs this week that blue-shirt trainers will only be allowed on-field after tries are scored in 2026, or if there’s a stoppage in play for a line drop-out. The blue-shirt trainer’s role will effectively change from “message trainer” to “interchange trainer”.
Abdo’s proposal reportedly states: “Blue trainers will no longer be permitted access for tactical messages during play. Messages will only be permitted after a try has been scored.
“After a try has been scored trainers must remain with the defensive team until after the conversion is attempted. Trainers must run on and off the field at all times and will not be permitted to loiter on the field at any time.”
The orange-shirt trainer will still be allowed on-field to attend to injured players, but cannot deliver messages. Yellow-shirt trainers are allowed to assist the orange-shirt trainer or tend to an injured player if the orange-shirt trainer is already occupied with another player.
“These changes will ensure player safety is maintained while limiting the opportunity for the constant relaying on messages during play,” Abdo reportedly wrote.
The NRL is also in talks with the clubs over four rule changes. The league is hoping to change the rules around kick-offs (giving teams the option to kick or receive after conceding a try), set restarts (a full penalty will only be blown in the 20m zone rather than 40m), 20m restarts (a six-tackle set will follow a player dropping the ball over the try-line rather than seven tackles), and the interchange bench (six players will be available to be selected but still only four can be used).