
The National Rugby League (NRL) is one of the most dynamic and fast-paced sporting competitions in the world. Central to its gameplay is the concept of the “set of six.” For new fans or players, understanding how a set of six works and its strategic implications is essential to appreciating rugby league. This article delves into everything you need to know about NRL sets of six, from their rules and structure to tactics and their impact on the game.
What is a Set of Six?
In rugby league, a set of six refers to the six consecutive tackles a team is allowed while in possession of the ball. During this set, the attacking team has six opportunities to advance the ball, gain territory, and attempt to score. At the end of the set, if no score is achieved, possession typically transfers to the opposing team, either through a kick or a handover.
The set of six is a fundamental framework that dictates the flow of the game, requiring teams to balance attacking creativity with tactical discipline.
Breakdown of a Set of Six
- The Tackle Count
- Each time a player carrying the ball is brought to ground and held by defenders, it counts as one tackle.
- The referee signals the tackle count vocally (e.g., “First tackle!”, “Second tackle!”) to inform both teams of their progress.
- Play-the-Ball
- After each tackle, the ball-carrier must stand up, place the ball on the ground, and roll it backward with their foot to a teammate (usually the dummy half) to restart play.
- Resetting the Count
- Under certain circumstances, the tackle count resets to six, giving the attacking team a fresh set of six. This typically occurs due to:
- Six-Again Rule: A rule introduced in 2020 where the referee calls “six again” for minor infringements such as ruck interference, allowing play to continue seamlessly.
- Defensive Errors: Deliberate knock-ons or offside play by the defending team.
- Under certain circumstances, the tackle count resets to six, giving the attacking team a fresh set of six. This typically occurs due to:
- End of the Set
- If a team does not score by the sixth tackle, they usually opt to kick the ball downfield to gain territory before possession changes hands. This is commonly referred to as a “last-tackle kick.”
Strategic Importance of the Set of Six
- Building Momentum
- A well-executed set of six can help a team gain significant territory, putting them in a strong attacking position while tiring the opposition’s defense.
- Field Position
- Teams use sets strategically to control where the game is played. Gaining territory ensures the opposition starts their next set deep in their own half, limiting their attacking options.
- Pressure on the Defense
- Consistent sets near the opponent’s try line increase pressure on the defending team, often leading to penalties or scoring opportunities.
- Kicking Options
- The final tackle of a set is crucial, as teams must decide whether to:
- Kick for territory.
- Attempt a high kick to contest possession.
- Execute a grubber kick into the in-goal area to force a dropout.
- The final tackle of a set is crucial, as teams must decide whether to:
The Six-Again Rule: Changing the Dynamics
Introduced to make the game faster and reduce stoppages, the six-again rule has transformed the NRL. When the referee signals “six again,” the attacking team’s tackle count resets to six without stopping play.
Impact of the Six-Again Rule:
- Increased Speed of Play: Teams must react quickly, creating more dynamic and continuous gameplay.
- Rewarding Attacking Teams: By resetting the count for defensive infringements, attacking teams gain additional opportunities to capitalize on their momentum.
- Greater Fatigue on Defenders: Continuous sets put immense pressure on defensive teams, often leading to errors or gaps in the defensive line.
Common Tactics During a Set of Six
- Hit-Ups and Drives
- Early in the set, teams often rely on their forwards to carry the ball straight into the defense to gain meters and set a platform for later plays.
- Shifting the Ball Wide
- Midway through the set, teams may move the ball to their faster and more agile backs to exploit gaps in the defensive line.
- Dummy Half Runs
- The dummy half often darts from the ruck area to catch defenders off guard and gain quick meters.
- Last-Tackle Options
- On the final tackle, teams assess their position and choose between:
- Long kicks for territory.
- High kicks to contest possession.
- Short kicks to force defensive errors.
- On the final tackle, teams assess their position and choose between:
Penalties and Errors During a Set of Six
- Knock-Ons and Forward Passes
- Handling errors result in turnovers, giving the opposition possession and halting momentum.
- Ruck Interference
- Defenders who slow down the play-the-ball or obstruct the dummy half risk conceding a penalty or six-again call.
- Offside Infringements
- Players not retreating the required 10 meters before engaging in play are penalized, often leading to set restarts.
- Turnovers
- Failing to kick effectively on the last tackle or being tackled on the sixth results in a handover to the opposition.
Variations in Set Strategies
Different teams adapt their set-of-six strategies based on their strengths, weaknesses, and opposition. For instance:
- Aggressive Teams
- Prioritize rapid play-the-balls and quick shifts to their backs to maximize attacking opportunities.
- Defensive Teams
- Focus on grinding out sets with conservative plays to dominate territory and limit errors.
- Adaptable Teams
- Mix up their strategies during sets to keep opponents guessing, alternating between power plays and expansive moves.
Memorable Moments Involving Sets of Six
- State of Origin Clashes
- Iconic matches often feature decisive sets of six that swing momentum in favor of one team.
- Grand Finals
- Many NRL grand finals have been decided by a single, well-executed set that led to a match-winning try or field goal.
- International Tests
- Sets of six are critical in the high-stakes environment of international rugby league, where teams battle for every meter.
Tips for New Fans to Appreciate the Set of Six
- Watch the Tackle Count
- Pay attention to the referee’s signals to understand how the attacking team is managing their set.
- Observe Team Strategies
- Notice how teams use their first few tackles to gain meters and set up for a strong finish.
- Anticipate the Last Tackle
- The sixth tackle often features exciting plays, such as high kicks or grubbers, that can lead to thrilling moments.
- Focus on Momentum Shifts
- A well-timed six-again call or a dominant defensive effort during a set can dramatically alter the game’s momentum.
Conclusion
The set of six is the heartbeat of rugby league, shaping the game’s flow and strategy. Understanding its intricacies, from the rules and tactics to the role of the six-again rule, allows fans to fully appreciate the skill and strategy involved in every play.
Whether you’re a seasoned fan or new to the NRL, the set of six offers endless excitement and is a testament to the game’s unique blend of physicality and tactical brilliance. The next time you watch a match, keep an eye on how teams execute their sets—it’s where games are won and lost.