The basics of rugby league

The aim of the game is simple: score more points than the other team.

Each team is given six tackles or chances to score.

If, after six tackles, they have not scored, the ball is handed over to the other team who then get the chance to score with their six tackles.

But rugby league is slightly more complicated than this.

TIME

A game of rugby league consists of two halves of 40 minutes, with injury time added on at the end of each half.

The basics of rugby league
Each half begins with a kick-off

In between the two halves, there is a 10-minute break after which both teams change ends and attack the half they were defending.

A hooter or whistle will indicate the start and finish of the half.

Play is only allowed to continue after the whistle or hooter sounds if the ball is still in play.

The half will immediately end once a tackle is made or the ball goes out to touch.

However, time can be extended for a penalty kick or a kick at goal.

In that case, the half will end when the next ball goes of play or a tackle has been made.

BALL

Rugby league is played with an oval shaped ball.

All balls must be 280-300mm in length.

Most full size balls weigh between 383 to 440 grammes.

KICK-OFF

Rugby league is played on a pitch which is no more than 100m in length and 68m in width.

However, most juniors play on pitches smaller than this.

The pitch is covered in several markings to indicate the different lines in the game.

The three most important lines are the goal lines, deadlines and the half-way line.

There are also several 10m markings from the touchline on the pitch to show where scrums and re-starts should be taken.