NRL Analysis: How Penrith control and win the ruck

One of our members shot through a great message on Instagram commenting on Penrith's ability to consistently 'win the ruck' each week in the NRL.
It's a common phrase in rugby league circles but what does it mean?
I've tried to highlight a few little details in Penrith's ruck defence that allow them to slow their opposition's momentum in the tackle and better organise their line for the following play.
This is hardly a complete explanation; there are a myriad of little details or 'one-percenters' that contribute to a defender winning the ruck in each tackle.
What I've tried to explain is the flow-on effect of winning or losing that particular ruck, as it's often those little details - getting dual-contact, hitting and sticking, third man efforts etc - that trigger a scoring action a few passes or tackles later.
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[@WarwickGank]

To juxtapose the slowing down of the ruck on the defensive end, I notice a lot of players who try to get a quick play-the-ball often take one or two steps off the mark (either forwards or to the side) to take the markers out of the play and push the defensive line back even further. I also notice players push or shove markers out of the way when playing the ball, meaning that the markers are not square anymore and aren’t able to impact the next play. It’s something that’s become quite rife in our game and I wish the ref’s would be more cognisant of it and either pull up the play and warn the attacking players not to do it, or penalise them, just as how the defensive team gets penalised if they conversely try to slow down the ruck. Common offenders include Cam Munster, Herbie Farmsworth and Kyle Feldt.

[@budapestgambit8946]

More choke style tackling does seem to be becoming increasingly important to various teams approaches. I think it's interesting to see various teams rules for choke tackling. Watched Darryl Powell coached Wakefield recently and they were going for choke tackles as their standard defensive preference which had the obviously pro of slowing ruck speed but the effort commited was incredible and it did tire them, particularly when they tried to utilise this on plays where there was less benefit.

[@Asher104]

Hey mate loving these analyses. Could you possibly try overlaying your webcam in the corner of the replays, rather than switching between? I struggle to keep track of what you're talking about with the switching. Cheers mate

[@RLWriters]

Thanks for the support mate. We do our best to make it flow but there are some copyright issues to consider. Appreciate the feedback 🤝

[@monk4258]

Mate, can you breakdown a good defense system and explain the intricacies of what goes into a good defense system. As a junior defense coach I'm always trying to gain more knowledge from different sources.

[@righteousness7711]

mate i heard Penrith lost on purpose to kick Broncos out the top eight lol.

[@RLWriters]

😂

[@cheshunt5597]

Their markers stand very deep too a lot. Referees never make them close the gap.

[@squallrulz20]

Hey mate. I am a student in sports science and was wanting to learn more about NRL for the future, do you have any suggestions/advice on how to learn more about the tactical/technical side of the game? only really know about the physical requirements/expectations and injury risks. Feel like having as much rounded game knowledge as you do would be very beneficial for programming and training in the future.

[@RLWriters]

You've come to the right place mate! For a few bucks a month all our content goes straight to your inbox 👍 check out rugbyleaguewriters.com

[@NoEvidenceForGod]

666 views, hate to ruin it

[@venom1889]

Penrith get away with excessive holding down in the ruck, as players are trying to get to their feet to play the ball they constantly push against the player or push down on the head. This she be called 6 again for not clearing the play the ball but barely ever does. Why is this? When plenty of other teams are getting picked for it 🤷🏾‍♂️

[@RLWriters]

It's a game of millimetres and milliseconds and Penrith do it best.