Last updated: 3 October 2026
Reviewed by Jordan Morley, FA Level 2 Football Coach
Rugby league uses a distinct points system: a try is worth 4 points, a conversion 2, a penalty goal 2, and a drop goal 1. A converted try is therefore worth 6 in total. This differs from rugby union, where a try is worth 5 and a drop goal 3. Goal-kicking matters greatly — a reliable kicker adds two points to most tries and can win tight games from penalties.
- Try = 4 points
- Conversion = 2, penalty goal = 2
- Drop goal = 1
- Differs from union (try = 5 there)
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Rugby league's scoring system — 4 points for a try, 2 for a conversion, 2 for a penalty goal, 1 for a drop goal — places a slightly lower relative value on the try conversion compared to rugby union's identical conversion value structure, which subtly shifts strategic incentives around attempting riskier attacking plays versus settling for a penalty goal depending on field position and match situation.
FAQ
How many points is a try worth in rugby league?
4 points, with an additional 2-point conversion attempt available if the try is scored, for a maximum of 6 points from the single scoring play.
What's the difference in scoring between rugby league and rugby union?
Rugby union awards 5 points for a try (versus 4 in league) while conversions, penalties and drop goals are valued the same in both codes, making tries relatively more valuable in rugby union's overall scoring balance.