Choose one answer per scenario, then review the explanation. Apply only the edition and scope stated below; assume no additional infringements. This is a draft for review.

Consult the official rulebook. For further study, visit Rugby League and tackle count and turnovers.

Rulebook

Make the call

Choose a ruling for each situation, then check your answers.

1. A runner breaks the defender's hold before landing. Tackle completed?
Answer and explanation

No

Ground contact alone cannot complete this broken tackle.

Rule basis: International Rugby League · 2026 International Laws of the Game with Notes on the Laws · Adult international 13-a-side baseline; excludes domestic competition variations, modified youth games and wheelchair rugby league.

2. Still held, a runner's ball-carrying forearm touches grass. Tackle completed?
Answer and explanation

Yes

The ball itself need not touch ground.

Rule basis: International Rugby League · 2026 International Laws of the Game with Notes on the Laws · Adult international 13-a-side baseline; excludes domestic competition variations, modified youth games and wheelchair rugby league.

3. Sixth tackle completed without infringement. Who plays the ball?
Answer and explanation

Opponents

Possession transfers; another attacking play-the-ball is unavailable.

Rule basis: International Rugby League · 2026 International Laws of the Game with Notes on the Laws · Adult international 13-a-side baseline; excludes domestic competition variations, modified youth games and wheelchair rugby league.

4. After five play-the-balls, attackers knock on accidentally; no advantage follows. Restart?
Answer and explanation

Handover

The tackle-count exception replaces the usual scrum.

Rule basis: International Rugby League · 2026 International Laws of the Game with Notes on the Laws · Adult international 13-a-side baseline; excludes domestic competition variations, modified youth games and wheelchair rugby league.

5. A defender catches an opponent's general-play kick directly in-goal. Restart?
Answer and explanation

20-metre optional kick

Catching directly triggers the optional-kick exception.

Rule basis: International Rugby League · 2026 International Laws of the Game with Notes on the Laws · Adult international 13-a-side baseline; excludes domestic competition variations, modified youth games and wheelchair rugby league.

6. An untouched penalty kick passes beyond the opponents' dead-ball line. Restart?
Answer and explanation

20-metre drop-out

Penalty kicks have a separate restart.

Rule basis: International Rugby League · 2026 International Laws of the Game with Notes on the Laws · Adult international 13-a-side baseline; excludes domestic competition variations, modified youth games and wheelchair rugby league.

7. Successful 40/20; officials are unready. May attackers tap immediately?
Answer and explanation

No

Possession entitlement does not replace the whistle.

Rule basis: International Rugby League · 2026 International Laws of the Game with Notes on the Laws · Adult international 13-a-side baseline; excludes domestic competition variations, modified youth games and wheelchair rugby league.

8. Opponents recover an accidental knock-on and advance before being tackled. Count?
Answer and explanation

Zero

Territorial gain does not remove zero tackle.

Rule basis: International Rugby League · 2026 International Laws of the Game with Notes on the Laws · Adult international 13-a-side baseline; excludes domestic competition variations, modified youth games and wheelchair rugby league.

Rule editions and sources