Frequently Asked Questions
What is the National Rugby League (NRL)?
The NRL is the top-tier Rugby League competition in Australia and New Zealand, known for its explosive tackles, relentless pace, and fiercely loyal fanbases. Launched in 1908, it’s home to iconic clubs like the Rabbitohs, Bulldogs, and Panthers, and showcases some of the toughest athletes in the sport. While its heart beats strongest in Australia and the Pacific, the NRL’s reach now spans the globe—driven by blockbuster clashes like State of Origin and an ever-growing international audience.
How many teams and players are there in an NRL game?
An NRL game features two teams, each made up of 13 players on the field, plus 4 interchange players on the bench. These teams compete in Rugby League, where the fast-paced format and limited tackle count make every player’s role crucial. So when you're repping your side—whether it’s the Rabbitohs, Panthers, or Bulldogs—you’re backing one of the 17 professional clubs that make up the NRL competition.
What's the difference between NRL and Rugby?
NRL stands for the National Rugby League, which is the top-level professional competition for Rugby League in Australia and the Pacific. Rugby League is one of two main codes of rugby, the other being Rugby Union.
Here’s a quick breakdown:
NRL = Rugby League (specific competition)
Rugby = Can refer to either Rugby League or Rugby Union
Key Differences:
#1. Number of Players: Rugby League has 13 players per side, Rugby Union has 15.
#2.Tackle Rules: In Rugby League, teams have six tackles to advance the ball before possession changes. In Rugby Union, there's no tackle limit, and play continues through rucks and mauls.
#3.Scoring: Points are awarded differently. For example, a try in Rugby League is worth 4 points, while in Rugby Union it’s worth 5.
#4. Play Style: Rugby League is generally faster with more structured sets, while Rugby Union involves more contest at the breakdown and set-pieces like scrums and line-outs.
So, while the NRL is a rugby competition, it's important to know that it's Rugby League, which follows different rules and traditions than Rugby Union.