Extra time will be played in all Finals Series matches – including Grand Finals - in 2016 and beyond.
The recommendation for a period of extra time prior to golden point in Finals matches has been officially ratified by the ARL Commission.
Under the new rule, five minutes of extra time each way will be played in the event of a draw at the conclusion of standard time. If scores are level at the end of extra time, the game will go to golden point.
The change follows extensive consultation with the game’s stakeholders, including the NRL Competition Committee, the NRL Coaches, the RLPA, the playing group, as well as supporters.
“We engaged all the relevant stakeholders and there was strong support for this change,” NRL CEO Todd Greenberg said.
“The stakes are clearly high in Finals Series matches, and especially in the Grand Final, so it makes sense to have a period of extra time prior to golden point.
“There were a number of alternatives considered but the consensus by and large was that the game should introduce extra time in Finals Series matches.
“Not only will it mean a more expansive style of football in the extra time period, it will also be less likely that a team is eliminated in golden point.”
