Official 2026 NRL General Discussion

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Adjusted sets and the points value of a set restart - The Rugby League Eye Test

This week is a post about set restarts but it’s not the usual set restart post. I’ve accepted our new normal for set restarts, so instead of demonising them I’d rather quantify their impact. They’re not changing this season. Regular readers will know there’s nothing I love more than quantifying...
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Good read over all as usual.
 

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Found this interesting too

“The value of a set restart to a team behind on the scoreboard hasn’t been lower since 2021, and never been higher for a team leading (29.7%). If you’re ahead this year, it’s easier to use slower ruck speed and shorten the 10 metres to maintain a lead.”

Gotta love the even up ones when it s already too late…
 
bort said:
Found this interesting too

“The value of a set restart to a team behind on the scoreboard hasn’t been lower since 2021, and never been higher for a team leading (29.7%). If you’re ahead this year, it’s easier to use slower ruck speed and shorten the 10 metres to maintain a lead.”

Gotta love the even up ones when it s already too late…
Click to expand...

Rookie Refs meeting.

Ref Boss: .... and in conclusion, we want close contests. Good for the game and the associated businesses.
Random rookie ref: So what do we do if a team has a 14-point game lead?
Ref boss: Nothing. It used to be a huge lead, but under the new rules, it's nothing... No change in your game plan. The leading team will find ways to muck it up. These guys are special athletes. No need to worry, believe me.
Random rookie ref #2: What's the new cutoff mark then?
Ref boss: At least 20 points. Sometimes more. Even the hopeless teams are now able to exploit a random 6-again call.
Random rookie ref #1: Business as usual then?
Ref boss: Not quite. And this is the tricky part, the part where game management becomes an art. Your touchies have to be on the same page though. No need for one of them to go for the glory call... Anyway, to get the trailing team back in the contest, you can always spot the forward pass that you let go earlier to benefit the leading team or remember to police the ruck with some random infringement... No one will be any wiser... Just give them the ball back. You have the offside card in your arsenal too, remember. If things are really going awry, you could make up rules on the spot or goad a team into an unwinnable challenge... And there's the sin bin. Very good, the sin bin. It's a tad difficult to pull off this early in your career, but you guys are the best. I have every confidence in your ability. You know how it works, a penalty here, a couple of 6-agains there, all sprinkled over a couple of sets once the trailing team has recovered the ball, and let the magic happen. You guys are the guiding hand gently leading the teams to the desired outcome.... The conductors of a well-oiled machine. Just remember that timing is key. Not too late, not too early. It's a delicate balance.
Random rookie #3: When do we know it's enough?
Ref boss: Don't worry, the guys over at the bunker will step in. You'll get your cue to go back to the initial game plan.
Random rookie ref #2: But what if someone notices anything?
Ref boss: (laughing) Hahaha!!! Even better, mate. We need a bit of controversy every now and then. It gets the more gullible fans all riled up... and the money keeps flowing. Even the supposed smart ones fall for it all the time. As for you, slap on the wrist and back you are the next week. At worst, you'll be dropped for a while, but (wink) we value our employees around here. Some have been active for over 20 years. And, anyway, there's always room in the bunker.
Have a good season!
 
Vichyssoise said:
Rookie Refs meeting.

Ref Boss: .... and in conclusion, we want close contests. Good for the game and the associated businesses.
Random rookie ref: So what do we do if a team has a 14-point game lead?
Ref boss: Nothing. It used to be a huge lead, but under the new rules, it's nothing... No change in your game plan. The leading team will find ways to muck it up. These guys are special athletes. No need to worry, believe me.
Random rookie ref #2: What's the new cutoff mark then?
Ref boss: At least 20 points. Sometimes more. Even the hopeless teams are now able to exploit a random 6-again call.
Random rookie ref #1: Business as usual then?
Ref boss: Not quite. And this is the tricky part, the part where game management becomes an art. Your touchies have to be on the same page though. No need for one of them to go for the glory call... Anyway, to get the trailing team back in the contest, you can always spot the forward pass that you let go earlier to benefit the leading team or remember to police the ruck with some random infringement... No one will be any wiser... Just give them the ball back. You have the offside card in your arsenal too, remember. If things are really going awry, you could make up rules on the spot or goad a team into an unwinnable challenge... And there's the sin bin. Very good, the sin bin. It's a tad difficult to pull off this early in your career, but you guys are the best. I have every confidence in your ability. You know how it works, a penalty here, a couple of 6-agains there, all sprinkled over a couple of sets once the trailing team has recovered the ball, and let the magic happen. You guys are the guiding hand gently leading the teams to the desired outcome.... The conductors of a well-oiled machine. Just remember that timing is key. Not too late, not too early. It's a delicate balance.
Random rookie #3: When do we know it's enough?
Ref boss: Don't worry, the guys over at the bunker will step in. You'll get your cue to go back to the initial game plan.
Random rookie ref #2: But what if someone notices anything?
Ref boss: (laughing) Hahaha!!! Even better, mate. We need a bit of controversy every now and then. It gets the more gullible fans all riled up... and the money keeps flowing. Even the supposed smart ones fall for it all the time. As for you, slap on the wrist and back you are the next week. At worst, you'll be dropped for a while, but (wink) we value our employees around here. Some have been active for over 20 years. And, anyway, there's always room in the bunker.
Have a good season!
Click to expand...
We need those two guys that used to do the Australian politician skits to act this out, or the crew from Utopia!
 
Proud Shark said:
www.rugbyleagueeyetest.com

Adjusted sets and the points value of a set restart - The Rugby League Eye Test

This week is a post about set restarts but it’s not the usual set restart post. I’ve accepted our new normal for set restarts, so instead of demonising them I’d rather quantify their impact. They’re not changing this season. Regular readers will know there’s nothing I love more than quantifying...
www.rugbyleagueeyetest.com www.rugbyleagueeyetest.com

Good read over all as usual.
Click to expand...
Good stuff. I would like to see this data based on "tackles in the set" rather than whether a set restart was called and/or with tackle 0 set restarts not included. Set restart on tackle 0 and a try on tackle 3 doesn't really mean much, and I expect a good portion of tackle 0 set restarts are when a team makes an error in their own half. That would have a higher probably of conceding points already/

NSW doesn't "get" Origin socks :ROFLMAO:

I watched a junior game last weekend where not a single player on the team had the club socks on. One kid had no socks at all! Footy boots with no socks? That's one tough/dumb kid.
 
Last edited:
Sharks NRL Prospects said:
Good stuff. I would like to see this data based on "tackles in the set" rather than whether a set restart was called and/or with tackle 0 set restarts not included. Set restart on tackle 0 and a try on tackle 3 doesn't really mean much, and I expect a good portion of tackle 0 set restarts are when a team makes an error in their own half. That would have a higher probably of conceding points already/

NSW doesn't "get" Origin socks :ROFLMAO:

I watched a junior game last weekend where not a single player on the team had the club socks on. One kid had no socks at all! Footy boots with no socks? That's one tough/dumb kid.
Click to expand...
They are pretty responsive on reddit and I'm sure would respond to that sort of question if emailed in. That's a good call out. I haven't been following too closely but given the sheer amount of content they do on set restarts it may have been covered.
 
apezza said:
That's a shame.

Between them and those two gentlemen from Hey Hey its Saturday that used to tell the jokes, they dont make 'em like they used to.
Click to expand...
Shane Bourne and Maurie Fields? Bloody funny guys, although Maurie is no longer with us either.
 
HaroldBishop said:
Suaalii ran for a total of 2 metres in his game last week lololololol.
Click to expand...
Him vs Lomax was the most hyped I have seen domestic rugby union in a long time. 2 former Rugby League players was their biggest draw card. Apparently it drew 10,000 and change crowd and was a bludger that even the coaches admitted was an ugly watch.
 
Jensen Taumoepeau to finally make his debut on the wing for the titans. Guys been around forever, well done for pushing through and finally getting to the finish line. The persistence finally paid off for him.
 
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