NRL introduces radical rule change
Following heated debate within the rugby league community, the Australian Rugby League Commission (ARLC) has approved the introduction of an 18th man in the NRL premiership.

Following heated debate within the rugby league community, the Australian Rugby League Commission (ARLC) has approved the introduction of an 18th man in the NRL premiership.
On Tuesday afternoon, the ARLC gave in principle approval for the introduction of an 18th player when three team members fail HIA tests, but the concussion substitute must be an “emerging player”.
The ARLC will consult with clubs and players before the rule is implemented from round five, which commences on Thursday, April 8th.
Although the 18th player would have benefited Cronulla on Sunday evening, NRL teams have rarely found themselves in such an unfortunate situation.
As revealed by the NRL Physio, the previous instance of three players failing an HIA in the same team before last weekend was round seven of the 2016 premiership.
Rugby league gives green light to 18th player as a concussion substitute
NRL teams will have an 18th player on standby from round five after a series of concussion incidents forced the Australian Rugby League Commission to introduce new measures.

Key points:
NRL teams can field an 18th player after three players from a team fail HIA tests
The 18th player must be an emerging player
The new rule will commence from round five after the ARLC has consulted the RLPA, clubs and coaches
Andrew Webster
@awebster1975
I trust all NRL coaches to use the 18th man for concussions in a fair and honest manner. *hairflick
Phil Gould
@PhilGould15
Good luck with that ...