National Rugby League Matches Research Articles

The influence of absent crowds on National Rugby League match player statistics and running metrics

Many elite sporting codes have imposed severe restrictions on crowd attendance at games to minimise COVID-19 infection risk, which created a rare opportunity to examine the influence of absent crowds on elite sporting performance. This study used a retrospective observational design to investigate the influence of the crowd in the National Rugby League (NRL) by comparing player statistics and Global Positioning System (GPS) metrics between Round 1 (crowds) and Round 2 (no crowd). Data were obtained for 203 professional NRL players. A linear mixed model with a random intercept (Player ID) was used to assess the relationship between crowd removal and match location on performance indicators and GPS metrics. Effect sizes (ES) were also calculated to determine the magnitude of change. The effect of a crowd and match location were trivial to small (ES range: 0.213 to 0.224). Without crowds, performance indicators relating to decoys (p = 0.022), post-contact metres (p = 0.020), tackle breaks (p = 0.035) and missed tackles increased (p = 0.018), whereas supports decreased (p = 0.005). Without crowds, GPS metrics maximal velocity increased (p = 0.027), and acceleration load decreased (p < 0.001). In away games, relative high-speed running increased (p = 0.020). However, it is possible that margin, opponent tactics, and weather could have influenced changes. The findings suggest that NRL players’ performance appears unlikely to be affected by the presence or absence of a crowd.

Predicting Rugby League Tackle Outcomes Using Strength and Power Principal Components.

Tackling is a fundamental skill in collision sports such as rugby league. Given the complexity of tackling and multitude of strength and power variables available for analysis, this study aimed to predict tackle outcomes in professional rugby league based on strength and power principal components (PCs). Twenty-eight rugby league players participated in this study. Maximal strength was assessed via 1 repetition maximum on the back squat, bench press, and bench pull. Lower-body vertical and horizontal power were evaluated using a countermovement jump and standing broad jump. A postmatch analysis of 5 National Rugby League matches was conducted to examine tackling outcomes. PC analysis was performed on the strength and power assessments. The first PCs were retained in each analysis, and a series of Spearman rank-order correlations were conducted between the tackle outcomes and the retained PCs. The PCs significantly related to tackle outcomes were included in the multiple regression analyses to estimate their effect on tackle outcomes. Strength PC was a significant predictor of play-the-ball speed in attack, accounting for 54% of the variance. Countermovement jump PC was a significant predictor of postcontact meters, explaining 19% of the variance. These findings demonstrate that a range of tackle outcomes may be predicted from strength and power components. The coaching staff may choose to develop programs and testing designed to focus on these components, which may further develop players' tackle outcomes during competition.

Incidence of Concussion and Time to Return-to-Play in the National Rugby League.

To examine the rates of concussion and recovery time over the course of 2 seasons of the National Rugby League (NRL). Descriptive cohort study. The NRL match play concussion injury surveillance system. All NRL players who participated in the 2017 and 2018 season. The (1) frequency of sideline injury surveillance identified head impact events in real-time during the games, (2) frequency of head injury assessments conducted by the medical staff, (3) frequency of medically diagnosed concussions, (4) number of days to medical clearance to return-to-play, and (5) number of games missed after concussion. There were 472 head injury assessments conducted during the games and 149 medically diagnosed concussions over the course of 2 NRL seasons (1 concussion every 2.70 games). The median number of days until medical clearance was 6 (M = 6.85, SD = 8.03, interquartile range = 4-7; range = 0-79 days). There was a statistically significant difference in the number of days to be medically cleared to return to full contact or match play between seasons (U = 3517.00, P = 0.001), and the percentage of players medically cleared to return-to-play at 5 days after injury was 60.6% in 2017 and 27.6% in 2018. Most players (87.9%) did not miss a game after injury. There is approximately one concussion sustained for every 3 games in the NRL. Most players are medically cleared to return-to-play in 4 to 7 days.

The effects of travel on performance: a 13-year analysis of the National Rugby League (NRL) competition

ABSTRACT The purpose was to investigate the effects of travel on performance in the National Rugby League (NRL). A total of 4,704 observations from 2,352 NRL matches (2007–2019) were analysed. The effect of travel on match outcome (i.e., win/loss) was analysed using a generalized linear mixed model, and the points difference using a linear mixed model. For every 1,000 km travelled in the NRL, the estimated probability of winning a match was reduced by −2.7% [−5.7 to 0.3%] and the estimated points difference by −1.1 [−2.0 to −0.2] points. In relation to every 1,000 km travelled, the 2007–2009 seasons had the greatest reduction in the likelihood of winning a match (−2.7% [−4.7 to −0.6%]), with the 2018–2019 seasons having the greatest likelihood (1.1% [−1.2 to 3.3%]). Regarding inter-state travel, teams from the state of Queensland had the greatest reduction in the likelihood of winning a match while the team from the state of Victoria had the greatest likelihood, although there were no clear differences between states. These data suggest that travel has impacted performance in NRL matches although this effect has reduced over time. These findings are useful for practitioners that prepare athletes in sports where frequent short-haul travel is required.

The Relationship Between Match Tackle Outcomes and Muscular Strength and Power in Professional Rugby League.

Redman, KJ, Wade, L, Whitley, R, Connick, MJ, Kelly, VG, and Beckman, EM. The relationship between match tackle outcomes and muscular strength and power in professional rugby league. J Strength Cond Res 36(10): 2853-2861, 2022-Tackling is a fundamental skill in collision sports, such as rugby league. Match success is largely dependent on a player's ability to complete tackles and tolerate physical collisions. High levels of strength and power are key physical qualities necessary for effective tackling because players are required to generate large forces while pushing and pulling their opponents. The aim of this study was to examine the relationship between tackle outcomes and strength and power qualities in professional rugby league. Fourteen rugby league players participated in this study. Maximal strength was assessed through 1 repetition maximum on the back squat, bench press, and bench pull. Lower-body vertical and horizontal powers were evaluated using a countermovement jump and standing broad jump (SBJ), respectively. Upper-body power was assessed on a plyometric push-up (PPU). Postmatch analysis of 5 National Rugby League matches was conducted to examine tackling outcomes. A series of Spearman's rank-order correlations were used to assess the relationship among match tackle outcomes and strength and power variables. Significant associations were observed between play-the-ball speed and SBJ peak power (rs = -0.74, p = 0.003), postcontact metres and PPU peak power (rs = 0.77, p = 0.002), losing the play-the-ball contest in defence with SBJ distance (rs = 0.70, p = 0.006), and ineffective tackles with PPU concentric impulse (rs = 0.70, p = 0.007). These results suggest the development and maintenance of full-body power to enhance the likelihood of positive tackle outcomes during professional rugby league match-play.

Analysis of styles of play according to season and end of season rank in the National Rugby League

ObjectivesThis study aimed to identify styles of play in the National Rugby League (NRL) relative to season and end of season rank (position on the NRL ladder) across the 2015–2019 seasons. DesignRetrospective, longitudinal analysis of performance indicators. MethodsForty-eight performance indicators (e.g. runs, tackles) from all NRL teams and matches during the 2015–2019 seasons (n=2010) were quantified. Principal component analysis (PCA) was then used to identify styles of play based on dimensions (Factors) of performance indicators. Multivariate analysis of covariance (MANCOVA) was then used to explain these emergent styles of play relative to ‘season’ and ‘end of season rank’. ResultsThe PCA revealed nine Factors (six attacking, two defensive and one contested style) accounting for ∼51% of seasonal team performance variance. These nine Factors differed across ‘seasons’, with four showing an effect against ‘end of season rank’. From these four, two Factors (ball possession and player efforts) impacted upon the combined effects of ‘season’ and ‘end of season rank’. ConclusionsThe PCA identified nine Factors reflecting a spread of attacking, defensive and contested styles of play within the NRL. These styles differed relative to season and a team’s end of season ranking. These results may assist practitioners with the recognition of more contemporary styles of play in the NRL, enabling the development of strategies to exploit competition trends.

National Rugby League match scheduling and rate of concussion

ObjectivesThe aims of this study were to evaluate the relationship between pre-match rest days, match location, time of season, and match outcome with diagnosed concussion and use of the Concussion Interchange Rule (CIR) during the 2014 NRL season. DesignDescriptive observational study. MethodsThis study reviewed all instances of diagnosed concussions, CIR activations, and match characteristics during the 2014 NRL season. Information pertaining to the use of the CIR was obtained from the league. Each club provided information of diagnosed concussion. ResultsA total of 402 NRL games were analyzed, the concussion interchange rule was activated 167 times, and 60 concussions were diagnosed in 53 of the matches. A significantly greater proportion of concussions occurred during the first match of the season (38% vs. 15% of in-season matches; p=0.02). Days of rest, match location, season stage, and match outcome were not associated with a higher proportion of concussions. Furthermore, we did not detect a significant association between CIR activation and days of rest prior to the match, opponent rest prior to the match, match location, round of the season, or match outcome. ConclusionsA significantly greater proportion of concussions were diagnosed during the first match of the season. Days between matches, opponent days of rest, match location, or other rounds (aside from round 1) of the season were not associated with CIR activation or diagnosed concussion. Varied game scheduling during the season does not appear to be associated with increased risk for concussion or use of the CIR in the NRL.

National rugby league match scheduling and rate of concussion

National rugby league match scheduling and rate of concussion

A video review of multiple concussion signs in National Rugby League match play

BackgroundVideo review has been introduced in many professional sports worldwide to help recognize concussions. However, to date, there has been very little research on the accuracy of using video analysis to identify signs of concussion and the various combinations of observed signs.MethodsThe objective of the study is to determine the accuracy of combinations of clinical signs of concussion identified using video analysis to identify concussions in the National Rugby League (NRL). Incidences of players using of the concussion interchange rule (CIR) (n = 156), including those where athletes were diagnosed with a concussion (n = 60), were used to calculate sensitivity and specificity of various combinations of concussion signs (unresponsiveness, slow to get up, clutching/shaking head, gait ataxia, vacant stare, and apparent seizure) and their independent association with an eventual diagnosis of concussion.ResultsUsing video analysis, players who were diagnosed with a concussion showed a significantly greater total number of signs at the time of injury (mean = 3.4, SD = 1.3) than those who were removed from play but not diagnosed with a concussion (mean = 3.0, SD = 0.9 signs; p = .046). Players who did not return to play during the same game demonstrated a significantly greater number of total signs than those who did return to play in the same game following CIR activation (mean = 3.4, SD = 1.2 versus mean = 2.9, SD = 0.9; p = 0.002). The most common combination of signs that was observed was clutching/shaking the head and slowness in getting up (17.3%). The sensitivity of the total number of signs observed decreased as the number of signs increased (range = 0.13–0.62), while the specificity increased as more signs were observed (range = 0.29–0.90). Most of the combinations of different observed signs at the time of potential injury were highly specific (> 0.80), but not sensitive to an eventual diagnosis of concussion. When considering all potential predictor variables in a logistic regression model, anticipating the oncoming collision (OR = 3.92, 95% CI = 1.28–12.03), fewer number of defenders involved in the tackle (OR = 0.58, 95% CI = 0.36–0.92), and the presence of a blank or vacant stare (OR = 2.97, 95% CI = 1.26–7.01) were each significantly associated with concussion diagnoses.ConclusionsThe use of video review in the NRL is challenging, but being aware of the combinations of possible concussion signs and the likelihood that various presentations result in a concussion diagnosis can provide a useful addition to sideline concussion identification and removal from play decisions.

Evidence of Concussion Signs in National Rugby League Match Play: a Video Review and Validation Study

BackgroundMany professional sports have introduced sideline video review to help recognise concussions. The reliability and validity of identifying clinical and observable signs of concussion using video analysis has not been extensively explored. This study examined the reliability and validity of clinical signs of concussion using video analysis in the National Rugby League (NRL).MethodsAll 201 professional NRL matches from the 2014 season were reviewed to document six signs of possible concussion (unresponsiveness, slow to get up, clutching/shaking head, gait ataxia, vacant stare, and seizure).ResultsA total of 127,062 tackles were reviewed. Getting up slowly was the most common observable sign (2240 times in the season, 1.8% of all tackles) but only 223 times where it appeared to be a possible concussion (0.2% of all tackles and 10.0% of the times it occurred). Additionally, clutching/shaking the head occurred 361 times (on 212 occasions this sign appeared to be due to a possible concussion), gait ataxia was observed 102 times, a vacant stare was noted 98 times, unresponsiveness 52 times, and a possible seizure 4 times. On 383 occasions, one or more of the observable signs were identified and deemed associated with a possible concussion. There were 175 incidences in which a player appeared to demonstrate two or more concussion signs, and 54 incidences where a player appeared to demonstrate three or more concussion signs. A total of 60 diagnosed concussions occurred, and the concussion interchange rule was activated 167 times. Intra-rater reliability (κ = 0.65–1.00) was moderate to perfect for all six video signs; however, the inter-rater reliability was not as strong (κ = 0.22–0.76). Most of the signs had relatively low sensitivity (0.18–0.75), but high specificity (0.85–1.00).ConclusionsUsing video replay, observable signs of concussion appear to be sensitive to concussion diagnoses when reviewing known injuries among professional rugby league players. When reviewing an entire season, however, certain signs occur very commonly and did not identify concussion. Thus, the implementation of video review in the NRL is challenging, but can provide a useful addition to sideline concussion identification and removal from play decisions.

“It's just everywhere!” Children and parents discuss the marketing of sports wagering in Australia

Objective:To investigate how children and adults recall the content and promotional channels for sports wagering marketing. Methods:A mixed methods study of 152 parent/child (8–16 years) dyads was conducted at AFL (Australian Football League), NRL (National Rugby League), and soccer sporting sites in New South Wales and Victoria, Australia. Questions related to the frequency of viewing AFL and NRL matches, sports wagering promotions and perceptions of the normalisation of wagering in sport. Descriptive statistics and thematic analysis were used to analyse data. Results:Children recruited from NRL (n=75, 96.2%) and AFL (n=46, 92.0%) sites were significantly more likely to have recalled having ever seen a promotion for sports wagering as compared to children from Soccer sites (n=18, 75.0%) (p<0.05). Children and adults identified seeing sports wagering promotions in similar environments, most commonly on television, and at stadiums. Three‐quarters of children (75.0%) and the majority of adults (90.0%) perceived that sports wagering was becoming a normal part of sport. Conclusion and Implications:This research shows that children engaged in particular sports have high awareness of wagering marketing, particularly as seen on television or at sporting matches. Regulation should comprehensively address the placement, quantity and content of wagering marketing aligned with sport to prevent current and/or future gambling harm.

Player Activity Profiles in the Australian Second-Tier Rugby League Competitions.

To investigate activity profiles of Australian rugby league players during match play by competition, position, and match outcome in the New South Wales (NSW) second-tier competitions. Eighteen NSW Cup (NSWC) and 22 National Youth Competition (NYC) players, participating in this prospective cohort study, were categorized into 3 positional groups: forwards, adjustables, and outside backs. Global positioning system devices were used to examine activity profiles (distance and relative distance covered in walking, jogging, moderate, high, very high, and sprinting speed zones and quantification of high-speed movement) during match play in 21 NSWC and 22 NYC matches (N = 339 files). NSWC players performed more sprints (36.5 ± 9.3 vs 28.4 ± 9.2) and greater relative distance in moderate speed zones (18.4 ± 3.2 vs 15.8 ± 3.1 m/min) than NYC. NSWC outside backs covered greater relative distance in jogging (29.4 ± 2.9 vs 24.8 ± 2.7 m/min) and moderate speed zones (17.0 ± 2.6 vs 12.8 ± 2.8 m/min) than their NYC counterparts. Adjustables performed more sprints (39.4 ± 10.1 vs 27.0 ± 9.2), high-intensity accelerations (3.7 ± 1.4 vs 1.9 ± 1.4), and relative distance (84.8 ± 4.3 vs 88.6 ± 4.8 m/min) than forwards and greater relative distance (81.5 ± 3.8 m/min) and sprints (31.0 ± 8.0) than outside backs. Adjustables recorded greater relative distance (19.8 m/min) in moderate speed zones than forwards (16.7 ± 3.1 m/min) and outside backs (14.9 ± 2.7 m/min). Adjustables covered ~685 m more than outside backs during a win. This is the first study to document the activity profiles of the NSW second-tier rugby league competition. The findings underscore the elevated match demands of adjustables and indicate higher intensity of play in NSWC than NYC that may more closely resemble the demands of National Rugby League match play.

Affective response to gambling promotions during televised sport: A qualitative analysis

Gambling promotions extensively punctuate contemporary televised sport broadcasts and concerns have been raised about their potential impacts on vulnerable groups. Research suggests advertising can shape individuals’ emotions, or affect, towards a product/brand and can subsequently influence purchasing decisions. Consequently, understanding how promotion of gambling influences sport viewers is an important although sparsely addressed area of research. This paper presents exploratory research on affective responses towards gambling promotions displayed during televised sport. Eight online focus groups were conducted with a sample of regular sports viewers in Queensland, Australia. Participants were exposed to a variety of gambling promotions used in National Rugby League match telecasts. Utilising adaptive theory, themes reflecting affective responses to each promotional technique were identified. A range of positive and negative affective responses were identified including arousal, joy, anger and worry. A conceptual model representing emergent affective response categories, message delivery techniques and moderating variables is proposed to inform a broader future research agenda examining how gambling promotions during televised sport influence affective response and concomitant gambling intention.

Analysis of Physical Collisions in Elite National Rugby League Match Play.

To investigate the impact forces of collision events during both attack and defense in elite rugby league match play and to compare the collision profiles between playing positions. 26 elite rugby league players. Player collisions were recorded using an integrated accelerometer in global positioning system units (SPI-Pro X, GPSports). Impact forces of collisions in attack (hit-ups) and defense (tackles) were analyzed from 359 files from outside backs (n = 78), adjustables (n = 97), wide-running forwards (n = 136), and hit-up forwards (n = 48) over 1 National Rugby League season. Hit-up forwards were involved in 0.8 collisions/min, significantly more than all other positional groups (wide-running forwards P = .050, adjustables P = .042, and outside backs P = .000). Outside backs experienced 25% fewer collisions per minute than hit-up forwards. Hit-up forwards experienced a collision within the 2 highest classifications of force (≥ 10 g) every 2.5 min of match play compared with 1 every 5 and 9 min for adjustables and outside backs, respectively. Hit-up forwards performed 0.5 tackles per minute of match play, 5 times that of outside backs (ES = 1.90; 95% CI [0.26,3.16]), and 0.2 hit-ups per minute of match play, twice as many as adjustables. During a rugby league match, players are exposed to a significant number of collision events. Positional differences exist, with hit-up and wide-running forwards experiencing greater collision events than adjustables and outside backs. Although these results may be unique to the individual team's defensive- and attacking-play strategies, they are indicative of the significant collision profiles in professional rugby league.

Energetic And Metabolic Power Demands Of Australian National Rugby League match play

Recently, mechanical time motion models based on running velocity have estimated the energy demands of field based team sports. Such analyses have enhanced the understanding of the metabolic loads of match-play, aided in player preparation and potentially fatigue management. PURPOSE: To describe the metabolic demands of different playing positions in elite rugby league match play. METHODS: A running based time motion model was used to estimate the energy expenditure and metabolic demands of 18 elite rugby league players tracked over the 2013 Australian National Rugby League season using 15Hz Global Positioning System (GPS) units. Briefly, this model is based upon running velocity and the rate of change in velocity. Players were categorized into positional groups: outside backs (OB), adjustables (ADJ), wide running forwards (WRF) and hit up forwards (HUF). Game demands were quantified by match time (min), relative distance (m.min−1), energy expenditure (kJ.kg−1), mean power (Wkg−1), anaerobic index (ratio) and equivalent distance (m). RESULTS: OB (62.2±27.0 min) spent significantly more (p<0.001) time on field than HUF (46.5±15.9 min) and WRF (59.1±20.9 min). OB expended the greatest total energy (40.1±5.0 kJ.kg−1) per match, expending 8.1%, 26.6% and 61.9% greater energy than ADJ, WRF and HUF (p<0.001), respectively. HUF covered 13.7% greater distance per minute of match play than OB (p<0.001). HUF covered 8.2% less distance per minute than ADJ (p<0.001), with no difference between HUF and WRF (90.5±5.0 vs 90.4±6.1). ADJ attained an anaerobic index 19.7% higher than HUF (p=0.001) and 43.2% higher than OB (p<0.001). WRF attained an anaerobic index 7.3% lower than ADJ, 32.8% higher than OB (p<0.001) and 11% higher than HUF. Mean power of ADJ was significantly higher than all other groups (OB: 28.8%, HUF: 12.4% and WRF: 8.7%) (p<0.001). HUF attained the lowest equivalent distance, 37.9% lower than OB (p=0.001) and 32.5% lower than ADJ. CONCLUSION: Energetic indices identified differing metabolic demands for all positional groups, suggesting that positional specific conditioning drills are required to model the energetic demands of match play. GPS modelled energetic indices may complement traditional speed-based classifications and improve our understanding of the physiological strain of elite rugby league.

Activity and Recovery Profiles of State-of-Origin and National Rugby League Match-Play

State-of-Origin is the highest standard of rugby league competition played anywhere in the world. This study investigated the activity profiles of State-of-Origin and compared them against regular National Rugby League (NRL) fixture matches. Video footage from State-of-Origin and NRL matches were coded for activity and recovery cycles. Time when the ball was continuously in play was considered activity, whereas any stoppages during matches were considered recovery. Ball-in-play periods in matches of different playing standards were analyzed by comparing State-of-Origin matches, NRL matches (with representative players available), and NRL matches (with representative players unavailable). The mean, maximum, and total ball-in-play time of State-of-Origin matches were longer than NRL matches (effect size [ES] ≥ 0.75) with and without the availability of representative players. State-of-Origin matches were associated with a greater proportion (ES ≥ 1.54) of long duration (46-300 seconds) ball-in-play periods, and a smaller proportion (ES ≥ 1.69) of short duration (<45 seconds) ball-in-play periods than NRL matches when representative players were both available and unavailable for selection. When representative players were available for club selection, NRL matches were associated with a smaller proportion of short duration ball-in-play periods (ES = 1.14) and a larger proportion of long duration ball-in-play periods (ES = 0.89), compared with NRL matches when representative players were unavailable. The results of this study provide empirical support for the higher playing intensity of State-of-Origin matches in comparison with regular NRL fixture matches. Furthermore, these findings demonstrate the lower quality of NRL matches during the State-of-Origin period, when representative players are unavailable for selection for their club team. From a practical perspective, these results quantify the difference in activity profiles between State-of-Origin and NRL competitions and demonstrate the need to prepare rugby league players to perform prolonged passages of high-intensity exercise during match-play.

Effect of different between-match recovery times on the activity profiles and injury rates of national rugby league players.

Professional rugby league competition does not coincide with a standardized amount of recovery between matches; matches can be separated by as many as 10 days and as few as 5 days. These variations in recovery time could influence the match activity profiles and injury rates of players. This study investigated the effect of different between-match recovery times on the activity profiles and injury rates of National Rugby League (NRL) players. Forty-three elite male rugby league players participated in this study. Between-match recovery cycles were defined as short (separated by 5 or 6 days), medium (separated by 7 or 8 days), and long (separated by 9 or 10 days) recovery. Movement was recorded using a commercially available microtechnology unit, which provided information on speed, distance, and repeated high-intensity effort activity. Injuries sustained in either training or match play, which resulted in a missed match, were recorded. Significantly greater (p ≤ 0.05) relative total distance was covered after matches involving short recovery than those involving medium (effect size [ES] = 1.13) or long (ES = 1.08) recovery periods. This difference was because of greater low-speed activity. Injury rates for the adjustables positional group were the highest after short between-match recovery cycles, whereas the injury rates of hit-up forwards and outside backs positional groups were the highest after long between-match recovery cycles. These findings suggest that the activity profiles of NRL match play and the injury rates of specific playing positions are influenced by the amount of recovery between matches. The differences in the activity profiles and injury rates between short, medium, and long between-match recovery cycles should be considered when developing recovery strategies for professional rugby league players.

Activity and Recovery Cycles of National Rugby League Matches Involving Higher and Lower Ranked Teams

This study investigated the influence of ladder position on ball-in-play and recovery periods in elite National Rugby League (NRL) competitive matches. Video recordings of 192 NRL matches and 18 NRL finals matches played over 2 competitive seasons were coded for activity and recovery cycles. Time when the ball was continuously in play was considered activity, whereas any stoppages during the match (e.g., for scrums, penalties, line drop outs, tries, and video referee decisions) were considered recovery. In comparison to matches involving lower standard teams, there was a greater proportion (effect size [ES] = 0.37-0.67) of long duration (>91 seconds) and a smaller proportion (ES = 0.49-0.68) of short duration (<45 seconds) ball-in-play periods when Top 4 teams were competing against other Top 4 teams. No meaningful differences were found between teams of different ladder positions for the proportion of short (ES = 0.04-0.16) and long (ES = 0.06-0.28) recovery periods. In comparison to fixture matches involving the top 4 teams, finals matches had a smaller proportion (ES = 0.56) of long duration activity periods, and a greater proportion (ES = 0.54) of short duration activity periods. Only small differences were found between finals matches and matches involving the Top 4 teams for the proportion of short (ES = 0.42) and long (ES = 0.41) recovery periods. These findings suggest that the competitive advantage of the best NRL teams is closely linked to their ability to maintain a higher playing intensity than less successful teams. Furthermore, long ball-in-play periods in high-standard fixture matches (i.e., involving the top 4 teams) ensure that players are adequately prepared for the ball-in-play demands of finals matches.

Dual-task assessment of a sporting skill: influence of task complexity and relationship with competitive performances

We investigated the effect of increases in task complexity on the dual-task draw-and-pass performance of professional rugby league players. Moreover, we determined the relationship between dual-task draw-and-pass proficiency measured in isolation and draw-and-pass performances as they occurred in actual competitive matches. In Study 1, 12 rugby league players performed 2-on-1 and 3-on-2 attacking drills under single (primary skill) and dual-task (primary skill performed in conjunction with secondary-task) conditions. Reductions in draw-and-pass performance occurred when task complexity was increased from the 2-on-1 to the 3-on-2 situation. In Study 2, 58 rugby league players undertook the dual-task draw-and-pass assessment. Players then competed in National Rugby League matches with video footage coded for the number of tries scored and the activities that led to the try. A total of 303 tries were scored with 150 (49.5%) tries scored from a draw-and-pass situation. Significant associations were detected between 2-on-1 dual-task draw-and-pass performance in the isolated test condition and draw-and-pass performances in competition. These studies provide evidence of (i) the greater attentional demands of the skill of drawing-and-passing in elite team sport athletes when more players are involved and (ii) the practical utility of off-field dual-task testing in supplying information predictive of skills performance in competition.

Activity Cycles of National Rugby League and National Youth Competition Matches

Examination of ball-in-play periods (i.e., match activity cycles) is a method used to provide insight into the physical demands of team sport competition. However, to date, no study has investigated the ball-in-play time of rugby league matches. This study investigated the activity cycles (i.e., ball-in-play periods) of elite National Rugby League (NRL) and National Youth Competition (NYC) matches. Video recordings of 393 NRL matches and 388 NYC matches were coded for activity and recovery cycles. Time when the ball was continuously in play was considered activity, whereas any stoppages during the match (e.g., for scrums, penalties, line drop-outs, tries, and video referee decisions) were considered recovery. The total time the ball was in play for NRL and NYC matches was approximately 55 minutes and 50 minutes, respectively. In comparison with NYC matches, NRL matches had longer average activity cycles (81.2 ± 16.1 vs. 72.0 ± 14.7 seconds, effect size [ES] = 0.60). The average longest activity cycle was also higher (ES = 0.48) in NRL (318.3 ± 65.4 seconds) than in NYC (288.9 ± 57.5 seconds) matches. The longest activity cycle from any match was 667 and 701 seconds for NRL and NYC matches, respectively. The NRL matches had a smaller proportion of short duration (<45 seconds) activity cycles and a greater proportion of longer duration (>91-600 seconds) activity cycles. In conclusion, meaningful differences in activity cycles were observed between NRL and NYC matches, with NRL competition demonstrating longer ball-in-play periods, a smaller proportion of short duration activity cycles, and a larger proportion of longer duration activity cycles. These findings suggest that the ability to perform prolonged high-intensity exercise, coupled with the capacity to recover during brief stoppages in play, is a critical requirement of professional rugby league match play.