Couch Critic looks ahead to forthcoming 2021 NRL season with an introductory overview of the tournament brought to you by @Olimp_SA

 

 

 

 

 

NRL – Welcome (back) to a brave new world mate

 

Last year I was fresh off a trip from the Land Down Under and with minimal other options around I jump head-first into the world of Rugby League in the form of the NRL. Instead of hitting a brick wall with this headfirst jump the experience was like leaping into crystal clear, cool, soothing waters on a hot summer’s day. I’m ready to go again!

 

Take a quick squiz at this updated intro as to what NRL is all about if you’re are still rather new to the game. The bonus for 2021 is that South Africans get to watch a few games per weekend via Dstv on the ESPN channel.

 

Quick Refresher

 

• Differences to Union:

• Team layout wise League is Union without the two flankers.

• The biggest difference lies in the battle for possession. In League you get six “sets” or tackles before possession is automatically handed over to the opposition.

• Due to the above possession rule there is no ruck in League. After a tackle the tackler has to clear away and allow the attacking team to launch their next play.

• There are no lineouts and scrums are much less of a pillar of domination, rather merely a way of getting play back underway (much like Sevens).

• In League the hooker (No.9) packs down in the middle of the scrum like in fifteen’s but is actually the “sweeper” at the tackle as he is more often than not the one distributing the ball to his halves, thus much like a 9 in Union.

• Tries count 4 points and a conversion two. Penalties are one point.

• Key to the game:

• Most teams will look to use their props and second rowers to bash the ball up and get over the advantage line with the early sets.

• Look out for the tactical kick in the last set as the teams either go for the high bomb (landing just before or just over the tryline) if they are within range or try and push their opponents back deep into their own territory at the start of their new set.

• Spectacular corner finishes by the wingers are guaranteed to occur each and every weekend when the teams do finally put it through the hands near the line.

 

The WHERE & WHEN

 

There are 16 teams in the NRL. Sydney dominates with eight teams from the city and its surrounds in the league. Brisbane have the Broncos whilst the Titans from the Gold Coast are also nearby. Then the Storm is the only side from Melbourne and the Raiders the only team representing Canberra. The Warriors have the honour of being the side that represents New Zealand in the league (though there are Kiwis and other Pacific Islanders in most of the other squads). The South Sydney Rabbitohs and the Sydney Roosters (the defending champions) are the only two remaining teams who were established at the foundation of the league in 1908.

 

The top 8 in the final standings make it to the playoffs and the team ending on top of the log after the regular season are crowned Minor Premiership Champions (this honour fell to the Panthers in 2020 – when taking an outright bet make sure you check whether it is a regular season punt or inclusive of the playoffs). The playoffs or finals are not merely quarter final matches as in Super Rugby. The Top 4 sides clash in “qualification” matches in the opening week of the finals with the two winners progressing to the semi-finals whilst the bottom four lock horns in “elimination” contests – suffer defeat and you go home whilst victory rewards you with a shot at the losers from the elimination matches.

 

The Melbourne Storm are the defending champions after beating the table topping Penrith Panthers in the Grand Final last year.

 

Enjoy the footy everyone!

 

Couch Critic

 

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