Possession was traditionally lost if the ball wasn't passed twice or more, but the new rule will enable hookers and halves to run the ball to the line, in a move designed to increase playmaking and decision-making abilities in the mod league (under 10 to under 12) competition. In the under 6s to under 9s, teams still have to pass twice to avoid losing possession. The rules are largely aligned with the NRL from the under 13s.

Rugby league Immortal Bob Fulton and former Kangaroos star Matt Johns played an active role in the revamp, as did Peter Corcoran, who helped introduce the modified laws in 1982. A review of junior rugby league was undertaken by the NRL in partnership with a Sydney University research team, where trial data was analysed between 2009 and 2014.

Other important changes for under-6-12 games include; the scrapping of all scrums, tap kick given to the non-scoring team to restart play following a try, standardised zero tackle and the removal of conversation attempts in the six and seven age groups.

NRL head of football Todd Greenberg said the changes were designed to keep children playing the game.

"Feedback from players, coaches, parents and referees indicated that fun, skill development and increased participation were key factors in recruiting young players and then retaining them in the game for longer" Greenberg said.