The NRL season is set to be less disrupted by the representative schedule, following an announcement from the governing body that the judiciary code for non-club games has been revised.
“Under the reforms, players competing in representative matches will receive fines for a greater range of grade one and two offences than in the NRL Telstra premiership,” a statement from the NRL read.
“Fines for offences will be calculated as a percentage portion of the player’s representative match payment, with each player holding a separate ‘representative judiciary record’ which resets each year.”
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This means that players who fall foul of officials due to their conduct in State of Origin or internationals over the next few weeks are less likely to miss games for the NRL clubs.
While the NRL said that match suspensions for more serious and repeat offences would remain, an increased fines system means that players will be on the field more than ever.
“Additionally, the annual All-Stars fixture and other Test matches will be formally recognised as representative matches under the judiciary code, permitting players who have been selected, or can establish the likelihood of their selection, to serve suspensions in those matches,” the statement read.
The new changes will take place starting with game one of this year’s Origin series, which is in Sydney next Wednesday night.
In addition to the changes for rep matches, there will now be extra fines to reduce players missing finals games for their club.
“Players who commit a ‘third offence’ under the judiciary code in a finals series match will be entitled to pay a fine in place of suspension for most offences,” the NRL said.
“Reckless high tackles of any grade will not be eligible for a fine, and any subsequent offence in finals series will attract the prescribed suspension.”