TEAMS will be able to use a “captain’s challenge” during the Rugby League World Cup among several tweaks to existing rules.

The rule, which is in operation in the NRL but not in Super League, allows teams to challenge certain on-field decisions made by the referee.

Teams are allowed one challenge per game but if it is either deemed successful or inconclusive, they will retain the challenge.

Only the captain, or a player nominated in the captain’s absence, can call for a captain’s challenge, and they have 10 seconds to do so after the referee has made their decision.

Without going into all laws of the game, below is confirmation of any laws that may differ from domestic leagues, considered as International Laws.

Drop Goals

In NRL a drop goal is worth one point unless it is kicked from outside the 40 metre line, when it is then worth two points.

In the international game, a drop goal is worth one point regardless of where it is kicked from.

Offside at play the ball infringements

In NRL, there is a tackle count restart for all offside infringements at the play the ball which occur more than 40 metres from the team in possessions own goal line.

A full penalty is awarded for all offside infringements at the play the ball within 40 metres of the team in possessions goal line.

In the international game, offside infringements at play the ball incurs a full penalty regardless of position on the field.

Tackle count restart

In NRL, there is a tackle count restart for all play the ball infringements which occur more than 40 metres from the team in possessions own goal line.

A full penalty is awarded for all play the ball infringements within 40 metres of the team in possessions own goal line.

In the international game, there is a tackle count restart for all play the ball infringements regardless position on the field. 

Stealing the ball

In Super League, if two people become involved in making a tackle then the ball cannot be stolen even if players subsequently drop off the tackle.

In international law, the ball can be stolen from the player in possession at any stage prior to a tackle being completed when there is only one defender effecting the tackle.