After being tackled, the ball-carrier must stand and roll the ball backward with their foot — a process called the play-the-ball. A teammate (the acting half-back) picks up the ball to begin the next play. This must happen quickly; a slow play-the-ball can result in a penalty. The play-the-ball replaces the ruck of union and is one of the key structural differences between the two codes, creating faster, more structured play.
Key points
- Ball rolled back by tackled player
- Acting half picks it up
- Slow play = penalty
- Replaces the ruck from union
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