In rugby league, the attacking team gets a set of six tackles to advance the ball and score. After each tackle, play restarts with a play-the-ball, where the tackled player gets up and rolls the ball back with a foot to a teammate. The referee counts the tackles from one to six, and if the attacking team is tackled on the sixth, possession passes to the other team at the point of the tackle. That is why teams usually kick on the last tackle, either for territory or to try to score. Certain events restart the count, and defending infringements can give the attack a fresh set. The set of six shapes almost everything about rugby league tactics, creating a rhythm of hard carries early in the set and planned kicks at the end.
Rulebook note: This guide is based on the general laws of rugby league. Competitions such as the NRL, Super League and international rugby league have their own variations, including rules on restarting the tackle count and special kicks, and rules are updated regularly. Rugby union has no tackle limit. Check the current rules for your competition.
How the set of six works
| Element | Detail |
|---|---|
| Play-the-ball | After each tackle, the tackled player rolls the ball back with the foot to a teammate |
| Tackle count | The referee counts tackles one through six |
| Handover | If tackled on the sixth, the ball goes to the opposition |
| Restart | Some events, such as certain defensive infringements or a defender playing at the ball, restart or reset the count |
| Last tackle | Teams usually kick for territory or try to score |
| Defensive line | Defenders must retreat a set distance at each play-the-ball |
The play-the-ball
When a player is tackled, they must get to their feet, face the opponent’s goal line and play the ball backward with a foot to a teammate, usually the dummy half, who stands behind them. One or two defenders, called markers, can stand directly in front of the play-the-ball, while the rest of the defense must retreat ten meters and wait until the ball is played. A quick play-the-ball gives the attack an advantage because the defense has less time to reset. Defenders who slow the play-the-ball, for example by lying on the tackled player, are penalized.
How a typical set unfolds
Tackles one to three: Teams usually use strong forward carries, often called hit-ups, to gain meters and push the defense back. The goal is to win the ruck speed battle and build momentum.
Tackles four and five: Teams may shift the ball wider or run set plays, looking for a break while setting up good field position for the kick.
Tackle six (last tackle): The team usually kicks. Deep in their own half, they kick long for territory. Near the opponent’s line, they may try an attacking kick, such as a grubber or a high kick for their winger to chase.
Restarting the tackle count
Several situations can restart the count or give the attacking team a new set. If the defending team touches the ball and fails to control it, the attack often gets a fresh set. Some competitions use a six again rule, where the referee awards a new set instead of a penalty for certain ruck infringements, such as defenders being offside or slowing the play-the-ball. If the attacking team kicks the ball and regains it after a defender plays at it, the count may restart. These rules vary between competitions, so check the current rules for your league.
Errors and handovers
Possession can change before the sixth tackle if the attacking team makes a mistake. A knock-on or forward pass typically results in a scrum to the defending team, while kicking the ball out on the full or committing a penalty offense hands the ball over in other ways. Because every handover gives the opponent a fresh set, completing sets without errors is one of the most important statistics in rugby league. Coaches often talk about completion rate, the percentage of sets a team finishes with a kick or a score rather than an error. Teams that complete their sets and kick well tend to control territory and force opponents to start their sets deep in their own half.
Defending a set
For the defending team, the set of six is about stopping momentum. Defenders aim to win the tackle, slow the tackled player legally and get back onside quickly, ten meters from the play-the-ball, so they can move forward again as a line. Good defense forces the attack to make short gains, which pushes their last-tackle kick deep in their own half. Communication, line speed and discipline are essential, since conceding a penalty or a restart gives the attack extra tackles and field position.
Last-tackle options
| Option | When used |
|---|---|
| Long kick for territory | From your own half, to pin opponents deep |
| Grubber kick | Near the try line, to force a goal-line drop-out or score |
| High bomb | For a tall winger or chaser to contest |
| Field goal | A drop goal attempt, usually in close games |
| Run the ball | Rarely, when a try seems likely or a team is chasing the game |
Some competitions offer special kicking rewards, such as the 40/20, where a kick from inside a team’s own 40-meter zone that bounces into touch inside the opponent’s 20-meter zone gives the kicking team possession. Kicking the ball dead in-goal on the last tackle can also force the opposition to restart from their own line in some situations, depending on the rules.
Scoring in rugby league
A try is worth four points, a conversion two points, a penalty goal two points and a field goal, or drop goal, one point, though some competitions award extra for long-range field goals. Because tries are worth more than goals, and possession changes after six tackles, teams must balance attacking ambition with the need to finish sets with a good kick.
Rugby league vs rugby union
Rugby league has 13 players per side and a limit of six tackles per set, with an uncontested play-the-ball after each tackle. Rugby union has 15 players per side, no tackle limit and contested rucks and mauls, where both teams can compete for the ball after a tackle. Scoring also differs: league tries are worth four points, union tries five. These differences make league a game of structured sets and field position, while union includes more contests for possession.
Tips for players
- Win the ruck speed battle with quick play-the-balls.
- Count the tackles and know where you are in the set.
- Complete sets without errors to maintain pressure.
- Plan the last-tackle kick before tackle five.
- Chase kicks as a line to pressure the receiver.
- Stay disciplined in defense to avoid giving away restarts.
Common mistakes to avoid
- Losing count of tackles.
- Slow play-the-balls that let the defense reset.
- Kicking too early without reason.
- Poor last-tackle kicks that hand over field position.
- Giving away six agains through ruck infringements.
Frequently asked questions
Why do rugby league teams kick on the last tackle?
Because possession passes to the opposition after the sixth tackle, so kicking gains territory or a scoring chance instead.
What is a play-the-ball?
The restart after a tackle in rugby league, where the tackled player rolls the ball back with a foot to a teammate.
What is a six again?
A rule used in some competitions where the referee gives the attack a new set of six instead of a penalty for certain defensive ruck infringements.
