Set of Six Explained - SportsPedia

🏉 The Set of Six Explained

The set of six is one of the core rules of rugby league. It determines how long a team keeps possession of the ball and shapes the strategy of the entire game.

When a team gains possession, they are allowed six tackles to advance downfield and attempt to score.

🔢 What Is a Set of Six?

A set of six begins when a team gains possession of the ball from:

A kick-off
A scrum
A penalty
An opposition error
A turnover

Each time the ball carrier is tackled and held, it counts as one tackle.

The attacking team has six tackles to make progress before possession changes.

▶️ What Happens After Each Tackle?

After being tackled:

The referee calls “Held!”
The defender releases the player.
The tackled player stands up and performs a play-the-ball.
A teammate (usually the dummy half) picks up the ball and continues play.

The defending team must retreat 10 metres from the play-the-ball before engaging again.

This process repeats until the sixth tackle.

🗣️ How Is The Tackle Count Managed?

The referee keeps track of the tackle count throughout the set.

In professional rugby league, referees do not usually call out every number. Instead, they:

Signal the count with hand gestures
Communicate with players verbally
Call “Last tackle!” on the fifth tackle

The “last tackle” call alerts both teams that the next play is the sixth and final tackle of the set.

In junior competitions, referees may call out each tackle number.

🎯 What Happens On The Sixth Tackle?

The sixth tackle is known as the last tackle.

If the attacking team is tackled with the ball on the sixth tackle and does not score, possession automatically goes to the opposition.

Because of this, teams usually:

Kick the ball downfield for territory
Put up a high bomb
Attempt a grubber kick near the try line
Try an attacking play close to the line

The goal is to finish the set in a strong field position.

🔄 When Does The Tackle Count Reset?

The tackle count can reset back to zero in certain situations.

This happens when:

The defending team commits a penalty
The defending team interferes at the ruck
The defending team knocks the ball on

When this occurs, the referee may call:

“Six again!”
“Zero tackle!”

This gives the attacking team another full set of six tackles.

❌ How Can A Set End Early?

A set of six does not always reach the sixth tackle.

It can end early if:

A try is scored
The attacking team knocks the ball on
A forward pass is thrown
The ball is intercepted
The attacking team concedes a penalty

When this happens, possession changes immediately.

🧠 Why The Set Of Six Is Important

The set of six creates structure and rhythm in rugby league.

It:

Encourages attacking strategy
Rewards disciplined defence
Creates tactical kicking battles
Determines field position

Strong teams focus on completing their sets and finishing with a smart kick on the last tackle.

Winning the field position battle over multiple sets often determines the outcome of a match.