Rugby league: Difference between revisions

Rugby league
	An attacking player attempts to evade two defenders
Highest governing body	Rugby League International Federation
Nicknames	League, XIII, footy, rugby, 'The Greatest Game of All'
First played	1845, Rugby football rules codified in England 7 September 1895, post schism
Characteristics
Contact	Full contact
Team members	13
Mixed-sex	Single
Type	Outdoor team sport
Equipment	Football
Venue	Rugby league playing field

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Rugby league football,^[3] usually called rugby league,^[4] is a full contact sport played by two teams of thirteen players on a rectangular grass field.^[5] One of the two codes of rugby football, it originated in England in 1895 as a split from the Rugby Football Union over the issue of payments to players. Its rules gradually changed with the purpose of producing a faster,^[6]^[7] more entertaining game for spectators.^[8] It is frequently cited as the toughest, most physically demanding of team sports.^[9]

Points get scored by carrying or kicking a ball down a field, crossing the ball over the opponent's designated goal line and grounding the ball; this is called a try.^[5] After a try, the scoring team gains a free kick to try at goal with a conversion – a kick for further points.^[5] The opposing team attempts to stop the attacking side gaining points by preventing their progress up the field by tackling the player carrying the ball.^[5]

The European Super League, featuring teams from England and one from France, and Australasian National Rugby League, featuring teams from Australia and one from New Zealand, are the premier club competitions. In Papua New Guinea, rugby league is the national sport.^[10]^[11] Rugby league is played internationally, predominantly by European, Australasian and Pacific countries, and is governed by the Rugby League International Federation. The current World Cup holders are New Zealand.

Etymology

Rugby league football takes its name from the bodies that split to create a new form of rugby football, distinct from that run by the Rugby Football Unions, in Britain, Australia and New Zealand between 1895 and 1908.

The first of these, the Northern Rugby Football Union, was established in 1895 as a breakaway faction of England's Rugby Football Union. Both organisations played the game under the same rules at first, although the Northern Union began to modify rules almost immediately, thus creating a new faster paced form of rugby football. Similar breakaway factions split from RFU-affiliated unions in Australia and New Zealand in 1907 and 1908, renaming themselves "rugby football leagues" and introducing Northern Union rules.^[12] In 1922, the Northern Union also changed its name to the Rugby Football League^[13] and thus over time the sport itself became known as "rugby league" football.

History

In 1895, a schism in Rugby football resulted in the formation of the Northern Rugby Football Union (NRFU).^[14] Although many factors played a part in the split, including the success of working class northern teams, the main division was caused by the RFU decision to enforce the amateur principle of the sport, preventing "broken time payments" to players who had taken time off work to play rugby. Northern teams typically had more working class players (coal miners, mill workers etc.) who could not afford to play without this compensation, in contrast to affluent southern teams who had other sources of income to sustain the amateur principle. There were similar movements in other countries. In 1895 a decree by the RFU banning the playing of rugby at grounds where entrance fees were charged led to the famous meeting on 29 August 1895. Twenty-two clubs (plus Stockport who negotiated by telephone) met at the George Hotel, Huddersfield in the West Riding of Yorkshire and formed the "Northern Rugby Football Union".^[15] Within fifteen years of that first meeting in Huddersfield, more than 200 RFU clubs had left to join the rugby revolution.

In 1897, the line-out was abolished^[16] and in 1898 professionalism introduced.^[17] In 1906, the Northern Union changed its rules, reducing teams from 15 to 13 a side and replacing the ruck formed after every tackle with the play the ball.^[18]

A similar schism to that which occurred England took place in Sydney, Australia. There, on 8 August 1907 the New South Wales Rugby Football League was founded at Bateman's Hotel in George Street.^[19] Rugby league then went on to displace rugby union as the primary football code in New South Wales and Queensland.^[20]

On 5 May 1954 over 100,000 (official figure 102,569) spectators watched the 1953–54 Challenge Cup final at Odsal Stadium, Bradford, England, setting a new record for attendance at a rugby football match of either code.^[19] Also in 1954 the Rugby League World Cup, the first for either code of rugby, was formed at the instigation of the French. In 1966, the International Board introduced a rule that a team in possession was allowed three play-the-balls and on the fourth tackle a scrum was to be formed. This was increased to six tackles in 1972 and in 1983 the scrum was replaced by a handover.^[21] 1967 saw the first professional Sunday matches of rugby league played.

The first sponsors, Joshua Tetley and John Player, entered the game for the 1971–72 Northern Rugby Football League season. Television would have an enormous impact on the sport of rugby league in the 1990s when Rupert Murdoch's News Corporation sought worldwide broadcasting rights and refused to take no for an answer. The media giant's "Super League" movement saw big changes for the traditional administrators of the game. In Europe it resulted in a move from a winter sport to a summer one as the new Super League competition tried to expand its market. In Australasia, the Super League war resulted: long and costly legal battles and changing loyalties, causing significant damage to the code in an extremely competitive sporting market. In 1997 two competitions were run alongside each other in Australia, after which a peace deal in the form of the National Rugby League was formed. The NRL has since become recognised as the sport's flagship competition and since that time has set record TV ratings and crowd figures.^[22]

Rules

The objective in rugby league is to score more points through tries, goals (also known as conversions) and field goals (also known as drop goals) than the opposition within the 80 minutes of play. If after two halves of play, each consisting of forty minutes, the two teams are drawing, a draw may be declared, or the game may enter extra time under the golden point rule, depending on the relevant competition's format.

The try is the most common form of scoring,^[23] and a team will usually attempt to score one by running and kicking the ball further upfield, or passing from player-to-player in order to manoeuvre around the opposition's defence. A try involves touching the ball to the ground on or beyond the defending team's goal-line and is worth four points. A goal is worth two points and may be gained from a conversion or a penalty. A field goal, or drop goal, is only worth one point and is gained by dropping and then kicking the ball on the half volley between the uprights in open play.

Field position is crucial in rugby league,^[24] achieved by running with or kicking the ball. Passing in rugby league may only be in a backward or sideways direction. Teammates therefore have to remain on-side by not moving ahead of the player with the ball. However the ball may be kicked ahead for teammates, but again, if they are in front of the kicker they are deemed off-side. Tackling is a key component of rugby league play. Only the player holding the football may be tackled. A tackle is completed when that player's progress is halted, or he is put to ground. An attacking team gets a maximum of six tackles to progress up the field before possession is changed over. Ball control is also important in rugby league, as a fumble of the ball on the ground forces a handover, unless the ball is fumbled backwards.The ball can also be turned over by going over the sideline.

Positions

Players on the field are divided into forwards and backs, although the game's rules apply to all players the same way. Each position has a designated number to identify himself from other players. These numbers help to identify which position a person is playing. The system of numbering players is different depending on which country the match is played in. In Australia and New Zealand, each player is usually given a number corresponding to their playing position on the field. However, since 1996 European teams have been able to grant players specific squad numbers, which they keep in irrelevance to the position they play, similarly to association football.^[25]

Interchanges (generally referred to as "The Bench") are allowed in the sport, and are typically used when a player gets tired or injured, although they can also be used tactically. Each team is currently allowed four substitutes, and in Australia and New Zealand, these players occupy shirt numbers 14 to 22.^[26] There are no limitations on what players must occupy these interchangeable slots, and interchanged players may re-enter the field of play again following a second interchange. Generally, twelve interchanges are allowed in any game from each team, although in the National Rugby League, this was reduced to ten prior to the 2008 season.^[27] If a team has to interchange a player due to the Blood Bin rule or due to injury, and this was the result of misconduct from the opposing team, the compromised team does not have to use one of its allocated interchanges to take the player in question off the field.

Backs

The backs are generally smaller, faster and more agile than the forwards. They are often the most creative and evasive players on the field, relying on running, kicking and handling skills, as well as tactics and set plays, to break the defensive line, instead of brute force. Generally forwards do the majority of the work (hit-ups/tackling).

The title of fullback (numbered 1) comes from the fullback's defensive position where the player drops out of the defensive line to cover the rear from kicks and runners breaking the line. They therefore usually are good ball catchers and clinical tacklers. In attack the fullback will typically make runs into the attack or support a runner in anticipation of a pass out of the tackle. Fullbacks can play a role in attack similar to a halfback or five-eighth and the fact that the fullback does not have to defend in the first defensive line means that a coach can keep a playmaker from the tackling responsibilities of the first line whilst allowing them to retain their attacking role.
The wingers or "wing three quarters" (numbered 2 and 5) are normally the fastest players in a team and play on the far left and right fringes of the field (the wings). Their main task is to receive passes and score tries. The wingers also drop back on the last tackle to cover the left and right sides of the field for kicks while the fullback covers the middle.
The centres or "centre three-quarters" (numbered 3 and 4) are positioned one in from the wings and together complete what is known as the three-quarter line. Usually the best mixture of power and vision, their main role is to try to create attacking opportunities for their team and defend against those of the opposition. Along with the wingers, the centres score plenty of tries throughout a season. They usually have a large build and therefore can often play in the second row forwards.

Usually, the stand-off half and scrum half are a team's creative unit or 'playmakers'. During the interactions between a team's 'key' players (stand-off half, scrum half, full-back, loose forward, and hooker), the stand-off half and scrum half will usually be involved in most passing moves.

The stand-off half or 'pivot' or 'five-eighth' (numbered 6): There is not much difference between the stand-off half and the scrum half, in that both players may operate in front of the pack during 'forward play' (as prime receiver [7] and shadow receiver [6], one on each side of the ruck, or both on same side of the ruck), and both players may operate in front of the backs during 'back play' (as prime pivot [6] and shadow pivot [7], one on each side of the ruck / pack, or both on same side of the ruck / pack). The stand-off half position is named with regard to the role / location of the player in respect to the scrum.
The scrum half or 'half-back' (numbered 7): There is not much difference between the scrum half and the stand-off half, in that both players may operate in front of the pack during 'forward play' (as prime receiver [7] and shadow receiver [6], one on each side of the ruck, or both on same side of the ruck). Both players may operate in front of the backs during 'back play' (as prime pivot [6] and shadow pivot [7], one on each side of the ruck / pack, or both on same side of the ruck / pack). The scrum half position is named with regard to the role / location of the player in respect to the scrum.

Forwards

Rugby league is notable for its hard physical play

The forwards' two responsibilities can be broken into "normal play" and "scrum play". For information on a forward's role in the scrum see rugby league scrummage. Forward positions are traditionally named after the player's position in the scrum yet are equal with respect to "normal play" with the exception of the hooker. Forward positions are traditionally assigned as follows:

The props or front-row forwards (numbered 8 and 10) are normally the largest players on field (male props typically weigh over 100 kg in the open age/senior game). They are positioned in the centre of the line. The prop will be an "enforcer", dissuading the opposition from attacking the centre of the defensive line and, in attack, will give the team momentum by taking the ball up to the defence aggressively.
The hooker (numbered 9) is most likely to play the role of dummy-half. In defence the hooker usually defends in the middle of the line against the opposition's props and second-rowers. The hooker will be responsible for organising the defence in the middle of the field. In attack as dummy-half this player is responsible for starting the play from every play-the-ball by either passing the ball to the right player, or, at opportune moments, running from dummy-half. It is vital that the hooker can pass very well. Traditionally, hookers "hooked" the ball in the scrum. Hookers also make probably more tackles than any other player on the field. The hooker is always involved in the play and needs to be very fit. They need to have a very good knowledge of the game and the players around them.
The second row forwards (numbered 11 and 12) The modern day second row is very similar to a centre and is expected to be faster, more mobile and have more skills than the prop and will play amongst the three-quarters, providing strength in attack and defence when the ball is passed out to the wings. Good second-rowers combine the skills and responsibilities of props and centres in the course of the game.
The loose forward or lock (numbered 13) is the only forward in the third (last) row of the scrum. They are usually among the fittest players on the field, covering the entire field on both attacking and defending duties. Typically they are big ball-runners who can occasionally slot in as a passing link or kick option; it is not uncommon for loose forwards/locks to have the skills of a Stand-off/five-eighth and to play a similar role in the team.

Rugby league worldwide

Rugby league is played in over 30 nations throughout the world, 27 are ranked by the RLIF and a further 11 are unranked.^[28] The strongest rugby league nations are Australia, England and New Zealand. The Rugby League World Cup is the highest form of representative rugby league and currently features 14 teams (ordered by RLIF rank) (1) Australia, (2) New Zealand, (3) England, (4) Papua New Guinea, (5) France, (6) Wales, (7) Fiji, (8) Samoa, (9) Tonga, (10) Scotland, (11) USA, (12) Ireland, (13) Italy and (16) Cook Islands. (14) Lebanon, (17) Russia and (22) South Africa have previously contested in World Cups.

Rugby league is the most watched sport on television in Australia^[29]^[30] and is the dominant winter sport in the Australian Capital Territory, Queensland and New South Wales.^[31] In Papua New Guinea, rugby league is the national sport.^[32]^[11] The game is also played in other Pacific nations such as New Zealand^[33] and Tonga.^[34] The premier club competition are the European Super League and Australasian National Rugby League. In Australia, the State of Origin series also ranks among the most popular sports events.^[35]^[36]

The Rugby League European Federation are responsible for developing rugby league in Europe and the Northern Hemisphere,^[37] while the Asia Pacific Rugby League Confederation are responsible for developing rugby league in the Asia-Pacific region.^[38] The Rugby League European Cup and Rugby League Pacific Cup are both run by the RLEF and APRLC respectively and are used as a stepping stone to the Rugby League Four Nations with Australia, New Zealand and England, the fourth team being decided by who wins the Pacific and European Cup, and rotates each year from Europe to the Pacific.

The current World Champions are New Zealand, who won the 2008 Rugby League World Cup. Prior to this, Australia had won every World Cup since 1975.^[39]

In England, rugby league has traditionally been associated with the northern counties of Yorkshire, Lancashire and Cumbria where the game originated, although its popularity has also increased elsewhere.^[40]^[41]^[42] Figures published by the Rugby Football League showed an 81% increase in women playing the sport in the twelve months prior to October 2008, as well as an increase in juniors of both genders nationwide.^[43] Currently, two of the fourteen Super League teams in the northern hemisphere originate from outside of the sport's traditional counties: London Broncos and Catalans Dragons. Over 40,000 players were registered by the RFL as of October 2008 with an overall participation rate in the game doubling in the last four years to well over 285,000 by late 2009.^[43]

France first played rugby league as late as 1934, where in the five years prior to World War II, the sport's popularity increased as Frenchmen became disenchanted with the state of French rugby union in the 1930s.^[44] However, after the Allied Forces were defeated by Germany in June 1940, the Vichy regime in the south seized assets belonging to rugby league authorities and clubs and banned the sport for its association with the left-wing Popular Front government that had governed France before the War.^[44] The sport was unbanned after the Liberation of Paris in August 1944 and the collapse of the Vichy regime, although it was still actively marginalised by the French authorities until the 1990s.^[44] Despite this, the national side appeared in the finals of the 1954 and 1968 World Cups, and the country hosted the 1954 event.^[45]^[46] In 1996, a French team, Paris Saint-Germain was one of eleven teams which formed the new European Super League, although the club was dissolved in 1997 due to its failure to run at a profit and poor attendances.^[47] In 2006, the Super League admitted the Catalans Dragons, a team from Perpignan in the southern Languedoc-Roussillon region.^[48] They have subsequently reached the 2007 Challenge Cup Final and made the play-offs of the 2008 Super League XIII season. The success of the 'Dragons' in Super League has initiated a renaissance in French rugby league, with new-found enthusiasm for the sport in the south of the country where most of the Elite One Championship teams are based.

The early 21st century has seen other countries take up the game and compete in international rugby league with efforts being made by the Rugby League European Federation to expand the game to new areas such as Germany, Sweden, Norway and Hungary.^[49]^[50]^[51]

Domestic competitions

The two most prominent fully professional leagues are the Australasian National Rugby League and the European Super League and to a lesser extent the French Elite One Championship. Domestic leagues exist below the NRL and Super League, especially on a state or county level, in Australia the semi professional Queensland Cup and NSW Cup, which provides players to various NRL teams, and the Co-operative Championship, which is a semi-professional competition for clubs in the United Kingdom. The Championship 1 is the third tier of British rugby league which has intentions to expand the game beyond its northern heartlands, Northampton, Bristol, Coventry, and Hemel Hempstead have been named as potential teams for the 2013 season.^[52] Dutch rugby league club Rotterdam Spartans will operate as a semi-professional team that will aim to compete as a fully professional club in the European Super League by 2021.^[53]

Rugby league is currently played in the United States through the semi-professional American National Rugby League (AMNRL) which involves 12 teams, 6 from the Atlantic and 6 from the Pacific Conference as well as developing teams from Utah, Chicago and Atlanta.^[54] The USA Rugby League (USARL) was formed as a split from the AMNRL in 2011 and involves 9 teams situated across the East Coast from Boston to Jacksonville^[55] the USARL's 7 developing teams features 1 from the East Coast in Pittsburgh and 6 from the West Coast - Seattle, Denver, Los Angeles, Orange County, Dallas and Houston.^[56] Jamaica also have plans to include a professional team, the Hurricanes Rugby League in one of the American league's by 2013.^[57]

The game is played semi-professionally in Papua New Guinea, where it is the official national sport. The Bemobile Cup has provided many players to the Papuan national team, such as Menzie Yere and Charlie Wabo, who have gone on to play professionally in England. The government is also lobbying for an NRL expansion franchise.^[58]

Both Australia and Europe have their own domestic cup tournaments. The Rugby Football League's Challenge Cup is contested by amateur and professional teams. In Australia, the State of Origin series is a domestic tournament, played between New South Wales and Queensland teams. New South Wales also has a one-match City vs Country Origin annually. In New Zealand clubs teams challenge for the Rugby League Cup.

Rugby league also has many other amateur competitions throughout Europe, the Middle East and the Pacific.

Current champions

Domestic Champions
Tournament	Year	Current Holder
National Rugby League	2011	Manly-Warringah Sea Eagles
Super League	2011	Leeds Rhinos
Challenge Cup	2011	Wigan Warriors
World Club Challenge	2012	Leeds Rhinos
World Sevens	2004	Wests Tigers
Le Championnat de France Elite	2011	Lezignan Sangliers
Lord Derby Cup	2011	Lezignan Sangliers
National Zonal Competition	2010	Auckland Premier
Welsh Conference	2010	File:Northern Raiders colors.png Neath Port Talbot Steelers
American National Rugby League	2011	New York Knights
USA Rugby League	2011	Philadelphia Fight
Bemobile Cup	2010	Goroka Lahanis
All Ireland	2011	Treaty City Titans
Leinster League	2011	Carlow
Scotland Conference	2010	Carluke Tigers
Lebanon Championship	2010	LAU Immortals
Fiji NRL	2010	Sabeto Roosters
Tonga National Rugby League	2010	Lapaha Knights
Samoan Championship	2010	Marist Saints
Tom van Vollenhoven Cup	2010	Wildcats
Catalan Championship	2010	Barcelona U.C.
Catalan University Championship	2010	University Girona
Italian Championship	2010	XIII del Ducato
Jamaica Championship	2010	Vauxhall Vultures
Jamaica University	2010	GC Foster College
Czech Republic League	2010	Beroun
Rugby League Deutschland	2010	Rheinland
Netherland Grand Prix	2010	Capelle
Serbian Championship	2010	RK Dorćol
Serbian Cup	2010	RK Dorćol
Ukraine Championship	2009	Legion XIII
Norway Championship	2010	Oslo RK
Cook Islands League	2010	Avatiu Eels
National Youth Competition	2010	New Zealand Warriors
Queensland Cup	2010	Northern Pride
NSW Cup	2010	Bankstown City
Co-operative Championship	2010	Featherstone Rovers
Championship One	2010	Swinton Lions
Northern Rail Cup	2010	Leigh Centurions

International Champions
Tournament	Year	Current Holder
Rugby League World Cup	2008	New Zealand
Four Nations	2011	Australia
European Cup	2010	Wales
Pacific Cup	2009	Papua New Guinea
Nordic Cup	2011	Denmark
Atlantic Cup	2010	United States
ANZAC Cup	2011	Australia
The Ashes	2003	Australia
Baskerville Shield	2007	Great Britain
European Shield – Western	2010	Serbia
European Shield – Eastern	2010	Russia
Federation Shield	2006	England
European Bowl	2011	Czech Republic
Euro Med Challenge	2009	Morocco
Slavic Cup	2010	Serbia
Representative Champions
Tournament	Year	Current Holder
All Stars Match	2011	NRL All Stars
State of Origin	2011	Queensland
City vs Country	Country Origin
War of the Roses	2003	Yorkshire
PNG Origin	2010	PNG Internationals
Ireland Provincial	2010	Munster
International Origin	2011	Exiles
Fiji Origin	2010	Western
Lebanon Origin	2010	Liban Espoir
Bundesland of Origin	2009	Bavaria
Serbian Origin	2010	Belgrade City
Czech Republic Origin	2010	Moravia

References

^ Fagan, Sean (16 January 2005). "George Lovejoy". rl1908.com. Archived from the original on 31 December 2010. Retrieved 1 January 2011. [George Lovejoy] coined the expression 'Rugby League – The Greatest Game of All' {{cite web}}: Unknown parameter |month= ignored (help)
^ Grasso, Robert (28 July 2008). "Simply a mess: rugby league now the game forgotten by all". SBS World News. Australia: SBS. Archived from the original on 31 December 2010. Retrieved 28 August 2010. {{cite news}}: Cite has empty unknown parameter: |coauthors= (help)
^
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^ RLEF. "What is Rugby League?". Rugby League European Federation. Retrieved 28 July 2009.
^ ^a ^b ^c ^d Dept. Recreation and Sport. "Dimensions for Rugby League". Government of Western Australia. Archived from the original on 31 December 2010. Retrieved 28 July 2009.
^ Scianitti, Matthew (18 June 2011). "The world awaits for Canada's rugby team". National Post. Retrieved 27 May 2012.
^ newzealandnow.govt.nz. "Sports". Life in New Zealand. New Zealand Government. Retrieved 16 June 2012.
^ Middleton, David (2008-03). League of Legends: 100 Years of Rugby League in Australia. National Museum of Australia. p. 27. ISBN 978-1-876944-64-3. Archived from the original (PDF) on 2010-12-31. {{cite book}}: Check date values in: |date= (help); Cite has empty unknown parameter: |coauthors= (help), quote: "When rugby league cast itself free of an arrogant rugby union 100 years ago, it did so with a sense of re-invention. It was not just about creating better conditions for the players but about striving to produce a better game; a more entertaining brand that would appeal to the masses."
^
Meares, Peter (2003). Legends of Australian sport: The Inside Story. Australia: University of Queensland Press. p. 132. ISBN 0-7022-3410-9, 9780702234101. {{cite book}}: Check |isbn= value: invalid character (help); Cite has empty unknown parameter: |coauthors= (help)
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- Mott, Sue (28 February 2004). "Pied piper puts heart and soul into hardest game of all". UK: The Daily Telegraph. Archived from the original on 31 December 2010. Retrieved 13 September 2010. {{cite news}}: Cite has empty unknown parameter: |coauthors= (help); More than one of |location= and |place= specified (help)
- Ledger, John (25 August 2009). "Tigers offer would persuade Chambers to end Olympic interest". UK: Yorkshire Post. Archived from the original on 31 December 2010. Retrieved 13 September 2010.
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- "My Life in Rugby League: Joe Vagana – Bradford Bulls". League Express. League Publications Ltd. 7 April 2008. Retrieved 27 May 2009. {{cite web}}: Cite has empty unknown parameter: |coauthors= (help) ^{[dead link‍]}
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^ "PNG vow to upset World Cup odds". Rugby League. Federación Peruana de Frontón. 15 October 2008. Retrieved 3 July 2009. But it would still be one of the biggest shocks in World Cup history if Papua New Guinea - the only country to have rugby league as its national sport - were to qualify for the last four.
^ ^a ^b "PNG seal 2010 Four Nations place". BBC. 1 November 2009.
^ Why Rugby League? at Crusaders Rugby League website
^ Spracklen, Karl (2001). 'Black Pearl, Black Diamonds' Exploring racial identities in rugby league. Routledge. p. 72. ISBN 0-415-24629-6, 9780415246293. {{cite book}}: Check |isbn= value: invalid character (help); Cite has empty unknown parameter: |coauthors= (help)
^ Fagan, Sean (2008). League of Legends: 100 Years of Rugby League in Australia (PDF). National Museum of Australia. pp. vii. ISBN 978-1-876944-64-3. {{cite book}}: Cite has empty unknown parameter: |coauthors= (help)
^ Groeneveld, Margaret (2007). Matters of the heart: The business of English rugby league. Berghahn Books. p. 27. ISBN 1-84545-054-X, 9781845450540. {{cite book}}: Check |isbn= value: invalid character (help); Cite has empty unknown parameter: |coauthors= (help)
^ Tony Collins, Rugby League in Twentieth Century Britain (2006), p.6
^ Tony Collins, Rugby League in Twentieth Century Britain, p.5 (2006)
^ Tony Collins, Rugby League in Twentieth Century Britain (2006), p.6, quote:"in 1906 the number of players in a team was reduced to thirteen and an orderly play-the-ball, whereby a tackled player had to get to his feet and roll the ball behind him with his foot, was introduced. These two changes completed the break from the playing rules of rugby union and marked the birth of rugby league as a distinct sport with its own unique rules".
^ ^a ^b Baker, Andrew (20 August 1995). "100 years of rugby league: From the great divide to the Super era". Independent, The. London: independent.co.uk. Retrieved 25 September 2009.
^ Jupp, James (2001). The Australian People: An Encyclopedia of the Nation, Its People and Their Origins. Cambridge University Press. pp. 342 & 343. ISBN 0-521-80789-1, 9780521807890. {{cite book}}: Check |isbn= value: invalid character (help); Cite has empty unknown parameter: |coauthors= (help)
^ Collins, Tony (18 April 2006). Rugby League in Twentieth Century Britain (1 ed.). Routledge. pp. 113–114. ISBN 978-0-415-39615-8.
^ "Rugby League Attendances 1957–2010". rleague.com. 2010.
^ "Season Summary". Rugby League Tables. Retrieved 7 April 2010.
^ "Stats Insider: Grand Final by the numbers". nrl.com. Australia: NRL.COM and Telstra Corporation Pty Ltd. 28 September 2010. Retrieved 21 September 2010. {{cite news}}: Cite has empty unknown parameter: |coauthors= (help)
^ 'history of the sport' in 1996, theRFL {{citation}}: Italic or bold markup not allowed in: |publisher= (help)
^ 'rugby league playing guide' squad numbers, This is rugby {{citation}}: Italic or bold markup not allowed in: |publisher= (help)^{[dead link‍]}
^ "League rule changes for 2008". www.leagueunlimited.com (League Unlimited). Retrieved 18 June 2009. {{cite web}}: Italic or bold markup not allowed in: |publisher= (help)
^ http://www.rlif.com/rankings
^ Paul Sheehan (4 October 2010). "Fast and furious, a league apart". The Sydney Morning Herald. Retrieved 15 June 2012.
^ Andrew Webster, Dean Ritchie and Todd Balym (27 April 2011). "NRL still hopeful of billion-dollar television rights deal". The Daily Telegraph. Retrieved 15 June 2012.
^ http://jss.sagepub.com/cgi/content/abstract/21/2/221 David Rowe, 'Rugby League in Australia: the Super League Saga', Journal of Sport & Social Issues, Vol. 21, No. 2, pp. 221-226 (1997)
^ "PNG vow to upset World Cup odds". Rugby League. Federación Peruana de Frontón. 15 October 2008. Retrieved 3 July 2009. But it would still be one of the biggest shocks in World Cup history if Papua New Guinea - the only country to have rugby league as its national sport - were to qualify for the last four.
^ Lay, Graeme (2007). New Zealand. United Kingdom: New Holland. p. 28. ISBN 1845378237, 9781845378233. {{cite book}}: Check |isbn= value: invalid character (help)
^ Matt Fletcher, Nancy Keller (2001). Tonga. Australia: Lonely Planet. p. 73. ISBN 1740590619, 9781740590617. {{cite book}}: Check |isbn= value: invalid character (help)
^ Ford, Greg (18 April 2012). "State of Origin bigger test for James Tamou". Fairfax NZ News. Retrieved 16 June 2012.
^ "Apathy in old Dart like an arrow through our heart". Stock & Land. 1 November 2008. Retrieved 17 June 2012.
^ http://www.rlef.eu.com/index.php
^ http://www.fijisun.com.fj/main_page/view.asp?id=65868
^ Wilson, Andy (22 November 2008). "Rugby league World Cup final: New Zealand end Australia invincibility with 34–20 win". London: guardian.co.uk. Retrieved 4 July 2009.
^ Woods, Dave (14 December 2008). "Interest growing in Conference". BBC Sport. Retrieved 14 December 2008. {{cite news}}: Italic or bold markup not allowed in: |publisher= (help)
^ "Rugby League Activity". Active Surrey. 14 December 2008. Retrieved 14 December 2008. {{cite news}}: Italic or bold markup not allowed in: |publisher= (help)
^ "Engage Super League Attracts Strong Viewing in 2008". Rugby Football League. 14 December 2008. Retrieved 14 December 2008. {{cite news}}: Italic or bold markup not allowed in: |publisher= (help)
^ ^a ^b "National Campaign Launched". England Rugby League. 14 December 2008. Retrieved 14 December 2008. {{cite news}}: Italic or bold markup not allowed in: |publisher= (help)
^ ^a ^b ^c Schofield, Hugh (8 October 2002). "French rugby league fights for rights". news.bbc.co.uk (BBC News). Retrieved 18 July 2009.
^ "Rugby League Planet – 1954 Rugby League World Cup". www.rugbyleagueplanet.com. Retrieved 18 July 2009.
^ "Rugby League Planet – 1968 Rugby League World Cup". www.rugbyleagueplanet.com. Retrieved 18 July 2009.
^ "Step Back in Time: Catalans (H)". wigan.rlfans.com (cherryandwhite.co.uk). Retrieved 18 July 2009.
^ "French join Super League". news.bbc.co.uk (BBC Sport). 26 May 2004. Retrieved 18 July 2009.
^ http://www.rlef.eu.com/news/article/238/hungary-prepare-for-belgrade-visit
^ http://www.rleague.com/content/article.php?id=39797
^ http://www.norskrl.com/news.html#viking%20invasion
^ http://www.mirror.co.uk/sport/sport-front-page/2011/12/02/northampton-to-move-up-to-championship-one-for-2013-115875-23603712/
^ http://www.rleague.com/content/article.php?id=41952
^ http://www.amnrl.com/
^ http://www.usarugbyleague.com/
^ http://www.usarugbyleague.com/about/developing-regions/
^ http://www.rleague.com/content/article.php?id=38528
^ http://www.pngnrlbid.com/

External links

[Fagan2005-01-16george-lovejoy-1] Fagan, Sean (16 January 2005). "George Lovejoy". rl1908.com. Archived from the original on 31 December 2010. Retrieved 1 January 2011. [George Lovejoy] coined the expression 'Rugby League – The Greatest Game of All' {{cite web}}: Unknown parameter |month= ignored (help)

[Grasso2008-07-28-2] Grasso, Robert (28 July 2008). "Simply a mess: rugby league now the game forgotten by all". SBS World News. Australia: SBS. Archived from the original on 31 December 2010. Retrieved 28 August 2010. {{cite news}}: Cite has empty unknown parameter: |coauthors= (help)

[3] Collins, Tony (1998). Rugby's great split: class, culture, and the origins of Rugby League football. Routledge. ISBN 0-7146-4867-1, 9780714648675. {{cite book}}: Check |isbn= value: invalid character (help)
Bellew, T. J. (1984). Laws of the game of rugby league football. Australian Rugby Football League.

A. N., Gaulton (1968). Encyclopaedia of Rugby League Football. London: Robert Hale. ISBN 0-7091-0377-8, 978-0709103776. {{cite book}}: Check |isbn= value: invalid character (help)

Macklin, Keith (1974). The History of Rugby League Football. London: Stanley Paul. ISBN 0-09-120780-0, 978-0091207809. {{cite book}}: Check |isbn= value: invalid character (help); Cite has empty unknown parameter: |coauthors= (help)

Paul Downward and Ian Jackson (2004). Common Origins, Common Future? A Comparative Analysis of Association Football and Rugby League Football in the UK. Greenwood Publishing Group. ISBN 0-275-98032-4, 9780275980320. {{cite book}}: Check |isbn= value: invalid character (help); Cite has empty unknown parameter: |coauthors= (help)

Moorhouse, Geoffrey (1996). A People's Game: The Centenary History of Rugby League Football, 1895–1995. London: Hodder and Stoughton. {{cite book}}: Cite has empty unknown parameter: |coauthors= (help)

Rugby Football League (1957). Rugby league football: the official illustrated handbook of the Rugby Football League. Great Britain: Educational Productions Ltd. {{cite book}}: Cite has empty unknown parameter: |coauthors= (help)

[4] Bellew, T. J. (1984). Laws of the game of rugby league football. Australian Rugby Football League.

[5] A. N., Gaulton (1968). Encyclopaedia of Rugby League Football. London: Robert Hale. ISBN 0-7091-0377-8, 978-0709103776. {{cite book}}: Check |isbn= value: invalid character (help)

[6] Macklin, Keith (1974). The History of Rugby League Football. London: Stanley Paul. ISBN 0-09-120780-0, 978-0091207809. {{cite book}}: Check |isbn= value: invalid character (help); Cite has empty unknown parameter: |coauthors= (help)

[7] Paul Downward and Ian Jackson (2004). Common Origins, Common Future? A Comparative Analysis of Association Football and Rugby League Football in the UK. Greenwood Publishing Group. ISBN 0-275-98032-4, 9780275980320. {{cite book}}: Check |isbn= value: invalid character (help); Cite has empty unknown parameter: |coauthors= (help)

[8] Moorhouse, Geoffrey (1996). A People's Game: The Centenary History of Rugby League Football, 1895–1995. London: Hodder and Stoughton. {{cite book}}: Cite has empty unknown parameter: |coauthors= (help)

[9] Rugby Football League (1957). Rugby league football: the official illustrated handbook of the Rugby Football League. Great Britain: Educational Productions Ltd. {{cite book}}: Cite has empty unknown parameter: |coauthors= (help)

[RLEF-whatisRL-4] RLEF. "What is Rugby League?". Rugby League European Federation. Retrieved 28 July 2009.

[WADeptRS-dimensions-5] Dept. Recreation and Sport. "Dimensions for Rugby League". Government of Western Australia. Archived from the original on 31 December 2010. Retrieved 28 July 2009.

[6] Scianitti, Matthew (18 June 2011). "The world awaits for Canada's rugby team". National Post. Retrieved 27 May 2012.

[7] wzealandnow.govt.nz. "Sports". Life in New Zealand. New Zealand Government. Retrieved 16 June 2012.

[WIP-8] Middleton, David (2008-03). League of Legends: 100 Years of Rugby League in Australia. National Museum of Australia. p. 27. ISBN 978-1-876944-64-3. Archived from the original (PDF) on 2010-12-31. {{cite book}}: Check date values in: |date= (help); Cite has empty unknown parameter: |coauthors= (help), quote: "When rugby league cast itself free of an arrogant rugby union 100 years ago, it did so with a sense of re-invention. It was not just about creating better conditions for the players but about striving to produce a better game; a more entertaining brand that would appeal to the masses."

[9] Meares, Peter (2003). Legends of Australian sport: The Inside Story. Australia: University of Queensland Press. p. 132. ISBN 0-7022-3410-9, 9780702234101. {{cite book}}: Check |isbn= value: invalid character (help); Cite has empty unknown parameter: |coauthors= (help)
Olson, Lisa (28 September 1997). "The down under thunder before Dodgers Rupe shook up Aussie sport". New York Daily News. USA: NYDailyNews.com. Archived from the original on 31 December 2010. Retrieved 13 September 2010. {{cite news}}: Cite has empty unknown parameter: |coauthors= (help)

Whitley, David (16 November 1999). "The Toughest Sport On Earth". Orlando Sentinel. USA. Retrieved 8 August 2011. {{cite news}}: Cite has empty unknown parameter: |coauthors= (help)

Mott, Sue (28 February 2004). "Pied piper puts heart and soul into hardest game of all". UK: The Daily Telegraph. Archived from the original on 31 December 2010. Retrieved 13 September 2010. {{cite news}}: Cite has empty unknown parameter: |coauthors= (help); More than one of |location= and |place= specified (help)

Ledger, John (25 August 2009). "Tigers offer would persuade Chambers to end Olympic interest". UK: Yorkshire Post. Archived from the original on 31 December 2010. Retrieved 13 September 2010.

Morgan, Martin (20 August 2010). "Thomo helps Jamaica". Times & Star. Archived from the original on 31 December 2010. Retrieved 13 September 2010.

Ledger, John (8 February 2006). "Langley ready for tough defence". UK: Yorkshire Post. Archived from the original on 31 December 2010. Retrieved 31 December 2010.

Massoud, Josh (24 April 2009). "Gallen pushes himself to limit in the boxing ring". Australia: The Daily Telegraph. Archived from the original on 31 December 2010. Retrieved 27 May 2009.

Rae, Richard (12 October 2003). "Tongan muscle powers the Bulls". London: The Sunday Times. Archived from the original on 31 December 2010. Retrieved 27 May 2009.

"My Life in Rugby League: Joe Vagana – Bradford Bulls". League Express. League Publications Ltd. 7 April 2008. Retrieved 27 May 2009. {{cite web}}: Cite has empty unknown parameter: |coauthors= (help) ^{[dead link‍]}

HarperCollins (2008). "About the Book: From the Sheds by Matthew Johns". HarperCollins. Archived from the original on 31 December 2010. Retrieved 27 May 2009.

[16] Olson, Lisa (28 September 1997). "The down under thunder before Dodgers Rupe shook up Aussie sport". New York Daily News. USA: NYDailyNews.com. Archived from the original on 31 December 2010. Retrieved 13 September 2010. {{cite news}}: Cite has empty unknown parameter: |coauthors= (help)

[17] Whitley, David (16 November 1999). "The Toughest Sport On Earth". Orlando Sentinel. USA. Retrieved 8 August 2011. {{cite news}}: Cite has empty unknown parameter: |coauthors= (help)

[18] Mott, Sue (28 February 2004). "Pied piper puts heart and soul into hardest game of all". UK: The Daily Telegraph. Archived from the original on 31 December 2010. Retrieved 13 September 2010. {{cite news}}: Cite has empty unknown parameter: |coauthors= (help); More than one of |location= and |place= specified (help)

[19] Ledger, John (25 August 2009). "Tigers offer would persuade Chambers to end Olympic interest". UK: Yorkshire Post. Archived from the original on 31 December 2010. Retrieved 13 September 2010.

[20] Morgan, Martin (20 August 2010). "Thomo helps Jamaica". Times & Star. Archived from the original on 31 December 2010. Retrieved 13 September 2010.

[21] Ledger, John (8 February 2006). "Langley ready for tough defence". UK: Yorkshire Post. Archived from the original on 31 December 2010. Retrieved 31 December 2010.

[22] Massoud, Josh (24 April 2009). "Gallen pushes himself to limit in the boxing ring". Australia: The Daily Telegraph. Archived from the original on 31 December 2010. Retrieved 27 May 2009.

[23] Rae, Richard (12 October 2003). "Tongan muscle powers the Bulls". London: The Sunday Times. Archived from the original on 31 December 2010. Retrieved 27 May 2009.

[24] "My Life in Rugby League: Joe Vagana – Bradford Bulls". League Express. League Publications Ltd. 7 April 2008. Retrieved 27 May 2009. {{cite web}}: Cite has empty unknown parameter: |coauthors= (help) ^{[dead link‍]}

[25] HarperCollins (2008). "About the Book: From the Sheds by Matthew Johns". HarperCollins. Archived from the original on 31 December 2010. Retrieved 27 May 2009.

[10] "PNG vow to upset World Cup odds". Rugby League. Federación Peruana de Frontón. 15 October 2008. Retrieved 3 July 2009. But it would still be one of the biggest shocks in World Cup history if Papua New Guinea - the only country to have rugby league as its national sport - were to qualify for the last four.

[PNG_seal_2010_Four_Nations_place-11] "PNG seal 2010 Four Nations place". BBC. 1 November 2009.

[12] Why Rugby League? at Crusaders Rugby League website

[13] Spracklen, Karl (2001). 'Black Pearl, Black Diamonds' Exploring racial identities in rugby league. Routledge. p. 72. ISBN 0-415-24629-6, 9780415246293. {{cite book}}: Check |isbn= value: invalid character (help); Cite has empty unknown parameter: |coauthors= (help)

[begin-14] Fagan, Sean (2008). League of Legends: 100 Years of Rugby League in Australia (PDF). National Museum of Australia. pp. vii. ISBN 978-1-876944-64-3. {{cite book}}: Cite has empty unknown parameter: |coauthors= (help)

[15] Groeneveld, Margaret (2007). Matters of the heart: The business of English rugby league. Berghahn Books. p. 27. ISBN 1-84545-054-X, 9781845450540. {{cite book}}: Check |isbn= value: invalid character (help); Cite has empty unknown parameter: |coauthors= (help)

[16] Tony Collins, Rugby League in Twentieth Century Britain (2006), p.6

[17] Tony Collins, Rugby League in Twentieth Century Britain, p.5 (2006)

[18] Tony Collins, Rugby League in Twentieth Century Britain (2006), p.6, quote:"in 1906 the number of players in a team was reduced to thirteen and an orderly play-the-ball, whereby a tackled player had to get to his feet and roll the ball behind him with his foot, was introduced. These two changes completed the break from the playing rules of rugby union and marked the birth of rugby league as a distinct sport with its own unique rules".

[baker-19] Baker, Andrew (20 August 1995). "100 years of rugby league: From the great divide to the Super era". Independent, The. London: independent.co.uk. Retrieved 25 September 2009.

[20] Jupp, James (2001). The Australian People: An Encyclopedia of the Nation, Its People and Their Origins. Cambridge University Press. pp. 342 & 343. ISBN 0-521-80789-1, 9780521807890. {{cite book}}: Check |isbn= value: invalid character (help); Cite has empty unknown parameter: |coauthors= (help)

[collins2006-21] Collins, Tony (18 April 2006). Rugby League in Twentieth Century Britain (1 ed.). Routledge. pp. 113–114. ISBN 978-0-415-39615-8.

[rleague-attendances-1957-2010-22] "Rugby League Attendances 1957–2010". rleague.com. 2010.

[23] "Season Summary". Rugby League Tables. Retrieved 7 April 2010.

[24] "Stats Insider: Grand Final by the numbers". nrl.com. Australia: NRL.COM and Telstra Corporation Pty Ltd. 28 September 2010. Retrieved 21 September 2010. {{cite news}}: Cite has empty unknown parameter: |coauthors= (help)

[SLnumbers-25] 'history of the sport' in 1996, theRFL {{citation}}: Italic or bold markup not allowed in: |publisher= (help)

[SLnumbers2-26] 'rugby league playing guide' squad numbers, This is rugby {{citation}}: Italic or bold markup not allowed in: |publisher= (help)^{[dead link‍]}

[NRLtensubs-27] "League rule changes for 2008". www.leagueunlimited.com (League Unlimited). Retrieved 18 June 2009. {{cite web}}: Italic or bold markup not allowed in: |publisher= (help)

[28] ttps://www.rlif.com/rankings

[29] Paul Sheehan (4 October 2010). "Fast and furious, a league apart". The Sydney Morning Herald. Retrieved 15 June 2012.

[30] Andrew Webster, Dean Ritchie and Todd Balym (27 April 2011). "NRL still hopeful of billion-dollar television rights deal". The Daily Telegraph. Retrieved 15 June 2012.

[31] ttps://jss.sagepub.com/cgi/content/abstract/21/2/221 David Rowe, 'Rugby League in Australia: the Super League Saga', Journal of Sport & Social Issues, Vol. 21, No. 2, pp. 221-226 (1997)

[32] "PNG vow to upset World Cup odds". Rugby League. Federación Peruana de Frontón. 15 October 2008. Retrieved 3 July 2009. But it would still be one of the biggest shocks in World Cup history if Papua New Guinea - the only country to have rugby league as its national sport - were to qualify for the last four.

[33] Lay, Graeme (2007). New Zealand. United Kingdom: New Holland. p. 28. ISBN 1845378237, 9781845378233. {{cite book}}: Check |isbn= value: invalid character (help)

[34] Matt Fletcher, Nancy Keller (2001). Tonga. Australia: Lonely Planet. p. 73. ISBN 1740590619, 9781740590617. {{cite book}}: Check |isbn= value: invalid character (help)

[35] Ford, Greg (18 April 2012). "State of Origin bigger test for James Tamou". Fairfax NZ News. Retrieved 16 June 2012.

[36] "Apathy in old Dart like an arrow through our heart". Stock & Land. 1 November 2008. Retrieved 17 June 2012.

[37] ttps://www.rlef.eu.com/index.php

[38] ttps://www.fijisun.com.fj/main_page/view.asp?id=65868

[39] Wilson, Andy (22 November 2008). "Rugby league World Cup final: New Zealand end Australia invincibility with 34–20 win". London: guardian.co.uk. Retrieved 4 July 2009.

[40] Woods, Dave (14 December 2008). "Interest growing in Conference". BBC Sport. Retrieved 14 December 2008. {{cite news}}: Italic or bold markup not allowed in: |publisher= (help)

[41] "Rugby League Activity". Active Surrey. 14 December 2008. Retrieved 14 December 2008. {{cite news}}: Italic or bold markup not allowed in: |publisher= (help)

[42] "Engage Super League Attracts Strong Viewing in 2008". Rugby Football League. 14 December 2008. Retrieved 14 December 2008. {{cite news}}: Italic or bold markup not allowed in: |publisher= (help)

[EnglandRLfigures-43] "National Campaign Launched". England Rugby League. 14 December 2008. Retrieved 14 December 2008. {{cite news}}: Italic or bold markup not allowed in: |publisher= (help)

[BBCFranceHistory-44] Schofield, Hugh (8 October 2002). "French rugby league fights for rights". news.bbc.co.uk (BBC News). Retrieved 18 July 2009.

[45] "Rugby League Planet – 1954 Rugby League World Cup". www.rugbyleagueplanet.com. Retrieved 18 July 2009.

[46] "Rugby League Planet – 1968 Rugby League World Cup". www.rugbyleagueplanet.com. Retrieved 18 July 2009.

[47] "Step Back in Time: Catalans (H)". wigan.rlfans.com (cherryandwhite.co.uk). Retrieved 18 July 2009.

[48] "French join Super League". news.bbc.co.uk (BBC Sport). 26 May 2004. Retrieved 18 July 2009.

[49] ttps://www.rlef.eu.com/news/article/238/hungary-prepare-for-belgrade-visit

[50] ttps://www.rleague.com/content/article.php?id=39797

[51] ttps://www.norskrl.com/news.html#viking%20invasion

[52] ttps://www.mirror.co.uk/sport/sport-front-page/2011/12/02/northampton-to-move-up-to-championship-one-for-2013-115875-23603712/

[53] ttps://www.rleague.com/content/article.php?id=41952

[54] ttps://www.amnrl.com/

[55] ttps://www.usarugbyleague.com/

[56] ttps://www.usarugbyleague.com/about/developing-regions/

[57] ttps://www.rleague.com/content/article.php?id=38528

[58] ttps://www.pngnrlbid.com/

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@@ Line 129: / Line 129: @@
   | doi =
   | id =
-  | isbn = }}</ref> usually called '''rugby league''',<ref name="RLEF-whatisRL">{{Cite web|url= http://www.rlef.eu.com/whatisrl.php|publisher= Rugby League European Federation|title= What is Rugby League?|author=RLEF|accessdate=2009-07-28}}</ref> is a full [[contact sport]] played by two teams of thirteen<!--Please do not change this to 15 as many people have done, 13 is correct. Rugby union has 15 players to a side, rugby league has 13. They are different sports--> players on a rectangular grass [[Rugby league playing field|field]].<ref name="WADeptRS-dimensions"/> One of the [[Comparison of rugby league and rugby union|two codes]] of [[rugby football]], it originated in England in 1895 as a [[History of rugby league#The schism in England|split]] from the [[Rugby Football Union]] over the issue of payments to players. Its rules gradually changed with the purpose of producing a faster,<ref>{{cite news|last=Scianitti|first=Matthew|title=The world awaits for Canada’s rugby team|url=http://sports.nationalpost.com/2011/06/18/the-world-awaits-for-canadas-rugby-team/|accessdate=27 May 2012|newspaper=[[National Post|National Post]]|date=18 June 2011}}</ref><ref>{{cite web|last=newzealandnow.govt.nz|title=Sports|url=http://www.newzealandnow.govt.nz/sports~270.html|work=Life in New Zealand|publisher=[[New Zealand Government]]|accessdate=16 June 2012}}</ref> more entertaining game for spectators.<ref name= WIP>{{Cite book
+  | isbn = }}</ref> usually called '''rugby league''',<ref name="RLEF-whatisRL">{{Cite web|url= http://www.rlef.eu.com/whatisrl.php|publisher= Rugby League European Federation|title= What is Rugby League?|author=RLEF|accessdate=2009-07-28}}</ref> is a full [[contact sport]] played by two teams of thirteen<!--Please do not change this to 15 as many people have done, 13 is correct. Rugby union has 15 players to a side, rugby league has 13. They are different sports--> players on a rectangular grass field.<ref name="WADeptRS-dimensions"/> One of the [[Comparison of rugby league and rugby union|two codes]] of [[rugby football]], it originated in England in 1895 as a [[History of rugby league#The schism in England|split]] from the [[Rugby Football Union]] over the issue of payments to players. Its rules gradually changed with the purpose of producing a faster,<ref>{{cite news|last=Scianitti|first=Matthew|title=The world awaits for Canada’s rugby team|url=http://sports.nationalpost.com/2011/06/18/the-world-awaits-for-canadas-rugby-team/|accessdate=27 May 2012|newspaper=[[National Post|National Post]]|date=18 June 2011}}</ref><ref>{{cite web|last=newzealandnow.govt.nz|title=Sports|url=http://www.newzealandnow.govt.nz/sports~270.html|work=Life in New Zealand|publisher=[[New Zealand Government]]|accessdate=16 June 2012}}</ref> more entertaining game for spectators.<ref name= WIP>{{Cite book
   | last = Middleton
   | first = David
@@ Line 295: / Line 295: @@
 </ref>
-In rugby league points are scored by carrying or kicking the ball down the field, until it can be moved past the opponent's designated goal line and touched to the ground; this is called a ''try'', and is the primary method of scoring.<ref name="WADeptRS-dimensions">{{Cite web|url= http://www.dsr.wa.gov.au/index.php?id=969|publisher= Government of Western Australia|title= Dimensions for Rugby League|author=Dept. Recreation and Sport|accessdate=2009-07-28|archiveurl=http://www.webcitation.org/5vOqN5xIA|archivedate=2010-12-31}}</ref> The opposing team attempts to stop the attacking side gaining points by preventing their progress up the field by tackling the player carrying the ball.<ref name="WADeptRS-dimensions"/> In addition to tries, points can be scored by kicking goals. After each touchdown, the scoring team gains a free kick to ''try at goal'' with a conversion for further points.<ref name="WADeptRS-dimensions"/> Kicks at goal may also be awarded for penalties, and [[field goal]]s can be attempted at any time during general play.
+Points get scored by carrying or kicking a ball down a field, crossing the ball over the opponent's designated goal line and grounding the ball; this is called a ''try''.<ref name="WADeptRS-dimensions">{{Cite web|url= http://www.dsr.wa.gov.au/index.php?id=969|publisher= Government of Western Australia|title= Dimensions for Rugby League|author=Dept. Recreation and Sport|accessdate=2009-07-28|archiveurl=http://www.webcitation.org/5vOqN5xIA|archivedate=2010-12-31}}</ref> After a try, the scoring team gains a free kick to ''try at goal'' with a conversion – a kick for further points.<ref name="WADeptRS-dimensions"/> The opposing team attempts to stop the attacking side gaining points by preventing their progress up the field by tackling the player carrying the ball.<ref name="WADeptRS-dimensions"/>
-Rugby league is the most watched sport on television in [[Rugby league in Australia|Australia]]<ref>{{cite news|last=[[Paul Sheehan]]|title=Fast and furious, a league apart|url=http://www.smh.com.au/opinion/society-and-culture/fast-and-furious-a-league-apart-20101003-162kf.html?skin=text-only|accessdate=15 June 2012|newspaper=[[The Sydney Morning Herald]]|date=4 October 2010}}</ref><ref>{{cite news|last=Andrew Webster, Dean Ritchie and Todd Balym|title=NRL still hopeful of billion-dollar television rights deal|url=http://www.couriermail.com.au/sport/nrl/afl-deal-no-threat-to-nrls-tv-riches/story-e6frep5x-1226045238058|accessdate=15 June 2012|newspaper=The Daily Telegraph|date=27 April 2011}}</ref> and in neighbouring [[Rugby league in Papua New Guinea|Papua New Guinea]] it is considered the [[National sport|national sport]].<ref>{{Cite web|url=http://news.bbc.co.uk/sport2/hi/rugby_league/7671217.stm|title=PNG vow to upset World Cup odds|date=15 October 2008|work=Rugby League|publisher=Federación Peruana de Frontón|accessdate=3 July 2009|quote=But it would still be one of the biggest shocks in World Cup history if Papua New Guinea - ''the only country to have rugby league as its national sport'' - were to qualify for the last four.}}</ref><ref name="PNG seal 2010 Four Nations place">{{Cite web|url=http://news.bbc.co.uk/sport1/hi/rugby_league/8336567.stm|title=PNG seal 2010 Four Nations place|publisher=BBC|date=1 November 2009}}</ref> The code is also amongst the predominant sports of other Pacific nations such as [[Rugby league in New Zealand|New Zealand]]<ref>{{cite book|last=Lay|first=Graeme|title=New Zealand|year=2007|publisher=New Holland|location=United Kingdom|isbn=1845378237, 9781845378233|pages=28|url=http://books.google.co.nz/books?id=RXIgN3HFBLEC&printsec=frontcover&source=gbs_ge_summary_r&cad=0#v=onepage&q&f=false}}</ref> and [[Rugby league in Tonga|Tonga]],<ref>{{cite book|last=Matt Fletcher, Nancy Keller|title=Tonga|year=2001|publisher=[[Lonely Planet]]|location=Australia|isbn=1740590619, 9781740590617|pages=73|url=http://books.google.co.nz/books?id=EABPLrDovFAC&printsec=frontcover&source=gbs_ge_summary_r&cad=0#v=onepage&q&f=false}}</ref> as well as in the [[Rugby league in the United Kingdom|United Kingdom]]<ref>{{cite web|title=Popular sports|url=http://ukinczechrepublic.fco.gov.uk/en/visiting-the-uk/about-uk/sport/popular-sports|work=About the UK|publisher=UK Government|accessdate=15 June 2012}}</ref> and [[Rugby league in France|France]].<ref>{{cite book|last=Nicola Williams, Oliver Berry, Steve Fallon|title=France|year=2009|publisher=Lonely Planet|isbn=1741049156, 9781741049152|pages=54|url=http://books.google.co.nz/books?id=N-QEGxA6r1YC&printsec=frontcover&source=gbs_ge_summary_r&cad=0#v=onepage&q&f=false}}</ref> National teams from Australia, Great Britain and New Zealand consistently rank in the [[Rugby League International Federation]]'s top three, and are the only ones to have won the [[Rugby League World Cup]]. In addition to France, these are also the only nations to have hosted the World Cup tournament, and are the only countries in which teams of the sport's premier club competitions, [[Super League]] and [[National Rugby League]], are based. Australia's annual [[State of Origin series]] is also a particularly high profile rugby legue competition.<ref>{{cite news|last=Ford|first=Greg|title=State of Origin bigger test for James Tamou|url=http://www.stuff.co.nz/sport/opinion/6761017/State-of-Origin-bigger-test-for-James-Tamou|accessdate=16 June 2012|newspaper=Fairfax NZ News|date=18 April 2012}}</ref><ref>{{cite news|title=Apathy in old Dart like an arrow through our heart|url=http://sl.farmonline.com.au/news/metro/national/sport/apathy-in-old-dart-like-an-arrow-through-our-heart/1349226.aspx?storypage=0|accessdate=17 June 2012|newspaper=Stock & Land|date=1 November 2008}}</ref>
+The European [[Super League]], featuring teams from [[Rugby league in England|England]] and one from [[Rugby league in France|France]], and Australasian [[National Rugby League]], featuring teams from [[Rugby league in Australia|Australia]] and one from [[Rugby league in New Zealand|New Zealand]], are the premier club competitions. In [[Rugby league in Papua New Guinea|Papua New Guinea]], rugby league is the [[National sport|national sport]].<ref>{{Cite web|url=http://news.bbc.co.uk/sport2/hi/rugby_league/7671217.stm|title=PNG vow to upset World Cup odds|date=15 October 2008|work=Rugby League|publisher=Federación Peruana de Frontón|accessdate=3 July 2009|quote=But it would still be one of the biggest shocks in World Cup history if Papua New Guinea - ''the only country to have rugby league as its national sport'' - were to qualify for the last four.}}</ref><ref name="PNG seal 2010 Four Nations place">{{Cite web|url=http://news.bbc.co.uk/sport1/hi/rugby_league/8336567.stm|title=PNG seal 2010 Four Nations place|publisher=BBC|date=1 November 2009}}</ref> Rugby league is played [[List of international rugby league teams|internationally]], predominantly by European, [[Australasia]]n and [[Pacific Islands|Pacific]] countries, and is governed by the [[Rugby League International Federation]]. The current [[Rugby League World Cup|World Cup]] holders are New Zealand.
 == Etymology ==
 ''Rugby league football'' takes its name from the bodies that split to create a new form of rugby football, distinct from that run by the ''Rugby Football Unions'', in Britain, Australia and New Zealand between 1895 and 1908.
@@ Line 429: / Line 428: @@
 ==Rugby league worldwide==
-Rugby league is played in over 30 nations throughout the world, 27 are ranked by the RLIF and a further 11 are unranked.<ref>http://www.rlif.com/rankings</ref> The strongest rugby league nations are [[Australia national rugby league team|Australia]], [[England national rugby league team|England]] and [[New Zealand national rugby league team|New Zealand]]. The [[Rugby League World Cup]] is the highest form of representative rugby league and currently features 14 teams (ordered by RLIF rank) (1) [[Australia national rugby league team|Australia]], (2) [[New Zealand national rugby league team|New Zealand]], (3) [[England national rugby league team|England]], (4) [[Papua New Guinea national rugby league team|Papua New Guinea]], (5) [[France national rugby league team|France]], (6) [[Wales national rugby league team|Wales]], (7) [[Fiji national rugby league team|Fiji]], (8) [[Samoa national rugby league team|Samoa]], (9) [[Tonga national rugby league team|Tonga]], (10) [[Scotland national rugby league team|Scotland]], (11) [[United States national rugby league team|USA]], (12) [[Ireland national rugby league team|Ireland]], (13) [[Italy national rugby league team|Italy]] and (16) [[Cook Islands national rugby league team|Cook Islands]]. (14) [[Lebanon national rugby league team|Lebanon]], (17) [[Russia national rugby league team|Russia]] and (22) [[South Africa national rugby league team|South Africa]] have previously contested in World Cups.
+[[File:NRL Grand Final 2006.JPG|thumb|right|The 2006 NRL Grand Final between Brisbane Broncos and Melbourne Storm at [[Stadium Australia|Olympic Stadium]], Sydney]] Rugby league is played in over 30 nations throughout the world, 27 are ranked by the RLIF and a further 11 are unranked.<ref>http://www.rlif.com/rankings</ref> The strongest rugby league nations are [[Australia national rugby league team|Australia]], [[England national rugby league team|England]] and [[New Zealand national rugby league team|New Zealand]]. The Rugby League World Cup is the highest form of representative rugby league and currently features 14 teams (ordered by RLIF rank) (1) [[Australia national rugby league team|Australia]], (2) [[New Zealand national rugby league team|New Zealand]], (3) [[England national rugby league team|England]], (4) [[Papua New Guinea national rugby league team|Papua New Guinea]], (5) [[France national rugby league team|France]], (6) [[Wales national rugby league team|Wales]], (7) [[Fiji national rugby league team|Fiji]], (8) [[Samoa national rugby league team|Samoa]], (9) [[Tonga national rugby league team|Tonga]], (10) [[Scotland national rugby league team|Scotland]], (11) [[United States national rugby league team|USA]], (12) [[Ireland national rugby league team|Ireland]], (13) [[Italy national rugby league team|Italy]] and (16) [[Cook Islands national rugby league team|Cook Islands]]. (14) [[Lebanon national rugby league team|Lebanon]], (17) [[Russia national rugby league team|Russia]] and (22) [[South Africa national rugby league team|South Africa]] have previously contested in World Cups.
-[[File:NRL Grand Final 2006.JPG|thumb|right|The 2006 NRL Grand Final between Brisbane Broncos and Melbourne Storm at [[Stadium Australia|Olympic Stadium]], Sydney]]The game is particularly popular in the nations of the South Pacific. [[Rugby league in Papua New Guinea|Papua New Guinea]] is the only country to have rugby league as its [[National sport|national sport]].<ref>{{Cite web|url=http://news.bbc.co.uk/sport2/hi/rugby_league/7671217.stm|title=PNG vow to upset World Cup odds|date=15 October 2008|work=Rugby League|publisher=Federación Peruana de Frontón|accessdate=3 July 2009|quote=But it would still be one of the biggest shocks in World Cup history if Papua New Guinea - ''the only country to have rugby league as its national sport'' - were to qualify for the last four.}}</ref><ref name="PNG seal 2010 Four Nations place">{{Cite web|url=http://news.bbc.co.uk/sport1/hi/rugby_league/8336567.stm|title=PNG seal 2010 Four Nations place|publisher=BBC|date=1 November 2009}}</ref> This has lead to officials from that country lobbying to have a team admitted to the [[National Rugby League]],<ref>{{cite news|last=Ilya|first=Gridneff|title=Papua New Guinea officials lobby for an NRL team|url=http://www.couriermail.com.au/sport/nrl/png-team-for-the-nrl/story-e6frep5x-1111116029065|accessdate=21 June 2012|newspaper=The Daily Telegraph|date=11 April 2008}}</ref> Australia's elite club competition which also features a team from Auckland, New Zealand's biggest city. The popularity of the code in New Zealand has lead to the possibility of another team from the South Island entering the competition as well.<ref>{{cite news|last=Knowler|first=Richard|title=NRL team bid for Christchurch|url=http://www.stuff.co.nz/the-press/sport/6445448/NRL-bid-for-city|accessdate=21 June 2012|newspaper=The Press|date=21 February 2012}}</ref> Rugby league is the dominant winter sport in the eastern Australian states of New South Wales, Queensland and Australian Capital Territory,<ref>http://jss.sagepub.com/cgi/content/abstract/21/2/221 David Rowe, 'Rugby League in Australia: the Super League Saga', Journal of Sport & Social Issues, Vol. 21, No. 2, pp. 221-226 (1997)</ref> The game is also amongst the predominant sports of [[Rugby league in Tonga|Tonga]]<ref>{{cite book|last=Matt Fletcher, Nancy Keller|title=Tonga|year=2001|publisher=[[Lonely Planet]]|location=Australia|isbn=1740590619, 9781740590617|pages=73|url=http://books.google.co.nz/books?id=EABPLrDovFAC&printsec=frontcover&source=gbs_ge_summary_r&cad=0#v=onepage&q&f=false}}</ref> and is played in other Pacific nations such as [[Samoa]] and the [[Cook Islands]]. In Australia, and indeed the rest of the region, the annual [[State of Origin series]] ranks among the most popular sporting events.<ref>{{cite news|last=Ford|first=Greg|title=State of Origin bigger test for James Tamou|url=http://www.stuff.co.nz/sport/opinion/6761017/State-of-Origin-bigger-test-for-James-Tamou|accessdate=16 June 2012|newspaper=Fairfax NZ News|date=18 April 2012}}</ref><ref>{{cite news|title=Apathy in old Dart like an arrow through our heart|url=http://sl.farmonline.com.au/news/metro/national/sport/apathy-in-old-dart-like-an-arrow-through-our-heart/1349226.aspx?storypage=0|accessdate=17 June 2012|newspaper=Stock & Land|date=1 November 2008}}</ref> The current World Champions are New Zealand, who won the [[2008 Rugby League World Cup]]. Prior to this, Australia had won every World Cup since 1975.<ref>{{Cite news|url=http://www.guardian.co.uk/sport/2008/nov/22/new-zealand-rugby-league-world-cup|title=Rugby league World Cup final: New Zealand end Australia invincibility with 34–20 win|publisher=guardian.co.uk|accessdate=2009-07-04|last=Wilson|first=Andy | location=London | date=2008-11-22}}</ref>
+Rugby league is the most watched sport on television in [[Rugby league in Australia|Australia]]<ref>{{cite news|last=[[Paul Sheehan]]|title=Fast and furious, a league apart|url=http://www.smh.com.au/opinion/society-and-culture/fast-and-furious-a-league-apart-20101003-162kf.html?skin=text-only|accessdate=15 June 2012|newspaper=[[The Sydney Morning Herald]]|date=4 October 2010}}</ref><ref>{{cite news|last=Andrew Webster, Dean Ritchie and Todd Balym|title=NRL still hopeful of billion-dollar television rights deal|url=http://www.couriermail.com.au/sport/nrl/afl-deal-no-threat-to-nrls-tv-riches/story-e6frep5x-1226045238058|accessdate=15 June 2012|newspaper=The Daily Telegraph|date=27 April 2011}}</ref> and is the dominant winter sport in the Australian Capital Territory, Queensland and New South Wales.<ref>http://jss.sagepub.com/cgi/content/abstract/21/2/221 David Rowe, 'Rugby League in Australia: the Super League Saga', Journal of Sport & Social Issues, Vol. 21, No. 2, pp. 221-226 (1997)</ref> In [[Rugby league in Papua New Guinea|Papua New Guinea]], rugby league is the [[National sport|national sport]].<ref>{{Cite web|url=http://news.bbc.co.uk/sport2/hi/rugby_league/7671217.stm|title=PNG vow to upset World Cup odds|date=15 October 2008|work=Rugby League|publisher=Federación Peruana de Frontón|accessdate=3 July 2009|quote=But it would still be one of the biggest shocks in World Cup history if Papua New Guinea - ''the only country to have rugby league as its national sport'' - were to qualify for the last four.}}</ref><ref name="PNG seal 2010 Four Nations place">{{Cite web|url=http://news.bbc.co.uk/sport1/hi/rugby_league/8336567.stm|title=PNG seal 2010 Four Nations place|publisher=BBC|date=1 November 2009}}</ref> The game is also played in other Pacific nations such as [[Rugby league in New Zealand|New Zealand]]<ref>{{cite book|last=Lay|first=Graeme|title=New Zealand|year=2007|publisher=New Holland|location=United Kingdom|isbn=1845378237, 9781845378233|pages=28|url=http://books.google.co.nz/books?id=RXIgN3HFBLEC&printsec=frontcover&source=gbs_ge_summary_r&cad=0#v=onepage&q&f=false}}</ref> and [[Rugby league in Tonga|Tonga]].<ref>{{cite book|last=Matt Fletcher, Nancy Keller|title=Tonga|year=2001|publisher=[[Lonely Planet]]|location=Australia|isbn=1740590619, 9781740590617|pages=73|url=http://books.google.co.nz/books?id=EABPLrDovFAC&printsec=frontcover&source=gbs_ge_summary_r&cad=0#v=onepage&q&f=false}}</ref> The premier club competition are the European [[Super League]] and Australasian [[National Rugby League]]. In Australia, the [[State of Origin series]] also ranks among the most popular sports events.<ref>{{cite news|last=Ford|first=Greg|title=State of Origin bigger test for James Tamou|url=http://www.stuff.co.nz/sport/opinion/6761017/State-of-Origin-bigger-test-for-James-Tamou|accessdate=16 June 2012|newspaper=Fairfax NZ News|date=18 April 2012}}</ref><ref>{{cite news|title=Apathy in old Dart like an arrow through our heart|url=http://sl.farmonline.com.au/news/metro/national/sport/apathy-in-old-dart-like-an-arrow-through-our-heart/1349226.aspx?storypage=0|accessdate=17 June 2012|newspaper=Stock & Land|date=1 November 2008}}</ref>
 The [[Rugby League European Federation]] are responsible for developing rugby league in [[Europe]] and the [[Northern Hemisphere]],<ref>http://www.rlef.eu.com/index.php</ref> while the [[Asia Pacific Rugby League Confederation]] are responsible for developing rugby league in the [[Asia-Pacific region]].<ref>http://www.fijisun.com.fj/main_page/view.asp?id=65868</ref> The [[Rugby League European Cup]] and [[Rugby League Pacific Cup]] are both run by the RLEF and APRLC respectively and are used as a stepping stone to the [[Rugby League Four Nations]] with Australia, New Zealand and England, the fourth team being decided by who wins the Pacific and European Cup, and rotates each year from Europe to the Pacific.
+[[File:Lance hohaia running into the defence (rugby league).jpg|thumb|right|Lance Hohaia running into the Papua New Guinea defence at the [[2008 Rugby League World Cup]]]]
+The current World Champions are New Zealand, who won the [[2008 Rugby League World Cup]]. Prior to this, Australia had won every World Cup since 1975.<ref>{{Cite news|url=http://www.guardian.co.uk/sport/2008/nov/22/new-zealand-rugby-league-world-cup|title=Rugby league World Cup final: New Zealand end Australia invincibility with 34–20 win|publisher=guardian.co.uk|accessdate=2009-07-04|last=Wilson|first=Andy | location=London | date=2008-11-22}}</ref>
 [[File:Leeds Rhinos 001.jpg|thumb|left|A game between [[Leeds Rhinos]] and [[Hull F.C.]] academy sides in England, May 2009]]
@@ Line 444: / Line 446: @@
 ===Domestic competitions===
-The two most prominent fully professional leagues are the Australasian [[National Rugby League]] and the European [[Super League]] and to a lesser extent the French [[Elite One Championship]]. Domestic leagues exist below the NRL and Super League, especially on a state or county level, in Australia the semi professional [[Queensland Cup]] and [[NSW Cup]], which provides players to various NRL teams, and the [[Championship (rugby league)|Co-operative Championship]], which is a semi-professional competition for clubs in the [[United Kingdom]]. The [[Championship 1]] is the third tier of British rugby league which has intentions to expand the game beyond its northern heartlands, [[Northampton]], [[Bristol]], [[Coventry]], and [[Hemel Hempstead]] have been named as potential teams for the 2013 season.<ref>http://www.mirror.co.uk/sport/sport-front-page/2011/12/02/northampton-to-move-up-to-championship-one-for-2013-115875-23603712/</ref> [[Netherlands|Dutch]] rugby league club Rotterdam Spartans will operate as a semi-professional team that will aim to compete as a fully professional club in the European Super League by 2021.<ref>http://www.rleague.com/content/article.php?id=41952</ref>
+The two most prominent fully professional leagues are the Australasian National Rugby League and the European Super League and to a lesser extent the French [[Elite One Championship]]. Domestic leagues exist below the NRL and Super League, especially on a state or county level, in Australia the semi professional [[Queensland Cup]] and [[NSW Cup]], which provides players to various NRL teams, and the [[Championship (rugby league)|Co-operative Championship]], which is a semi-professional competition for clubs in the [[United Kingdom]]. The [[Championship 1]] is the third tier of British rugby league which has intentions to expand the game beyond its northern heartlands, [[Northampton]], [[Bristol]], [[Coventry]], and [[Hemel Hempstead]] have been named as potential teams for the 2013 season.<ref>http://www.mirror.co.uk/sport/sport-front-page/2011/12/02/northampton-to-move-up-to-championship-one-for-2013-115875-23603712/</ref> [[Netherlands|Dutch]] rugby league club Rotterdam Spartans will operate as a semi-professional team that will aim to compete as a fully professional club in the European Super League by 2021.<ref>http://www.rleague.com/content/article.php?id=41952</ref>
 Rugby league is currently played in the United States through the semi-professional [[American National Rugby League]] (AMNRL) which involves 12 teams, 6 from the Atlantic and 6 from the Pacific Conference as well as developing teams from [[Utah]], [[Chicago]] and [[Atlanta]].<ref>http://www.amnrl.com/</ref> The [[USA Rugby League]] (USARL) was formed as a split from the AMNRL in 2011 and involves 9 teams situated across the East Coast from [[Boston]] to [[Jacksonville]]<ref>http://www.usarugbyleague.com/</ref> the USARL's 7 developing teams features 1 from the East Coast in [[Pittsburgh]] and 6 from the West Coast - [[Seattle]], [[Denver]], [[Los Angeles]], [[Orange County, California|Orange County]], [[Dallas]] and [[Houston]].<ref>http://www.usarugbyleague.com/about/developing-regions/</ref> Jamaica also have plans to include a professional team, the [[Hurricanes Rugby League]] in one of the American league's by 2013.<ref>http://www.rleague.com/content/article.php?id=38528</ref>