Nrl vs. Afl — What's the Difference?
Edited by Tayyaba Rehman — By Urooj Arif — Updated on May 13, 2024
NRL focuses on rugby league with 13 players per team and a play-the-ball restart, whereas AFL features Australian rules football with 18 players and a unique oval ball.
Difference Between Nrl and Afl
Table of Contents
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Key Differences
NRL (National Rugby League) is a major rugby league competition in Australia, emphasizing physical tackles and set plays. Whereas, AFL (Australian Football League) involves a more aerial game with kicking and catching crucial for scoring.
NRL games are structured around two 40-minute halves, and play typically involves direct physical contests for possession. On the other hand, AFL matches last longer with four 20-minute quarters, focusing on continuous play and strategic positioning.
In NRL, scoring is primarily through tries, goals after tries, and field goals. Meanwhile, AFL scores come from goals and behinds, offering multiple scoring opportunities and a higher scoring game.
NRL utilizes a rectangular field, suitable for linear play and tactical advancements. Whereas, the AFL is played on a large oval, allowing more space for players to maneuver and execute long-range tactics.
The ball in NRL is more elongated and suited for carrying and passing. Conversely, the AFL uses a larger, oval-shaped ball designed for kicking and bouncing, influencing the style of play.
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Comparison Chart
Number of Players
13 players per team
18 players per team
Game Duration
Two 40-minute halves
Four 20-minute quarters
Scoring
Tries, conversions, field goals
Goals, behinds
Field Shape
Rectangular
Oval
Ball Shape
Elongated, suited for carrying
Larger and oval, suited for kicking
Compare with Definitions
Nrl
A major rugby league competition in Australia.
The NRL Grand Final is one of the most watched sports events in Australia.
Afl
The premier competition of Australian rules football.
AFL is celebrated for its unique mix of aerial and ground play.
Nrl
Played with 13 players per team.
Each NRL team needs to manage its 13 players strategically during the game.
Afl
Consists of 18 players per team.
AFL teams use their 18 players to cover the large oval field effectively.
Nrl
Uses a rectangular field.
The rectangular NRL field affects how teams form their defensive and offensive strategies.
Afl
Played on an oval field.
The large oval field in AFL allows for dynamic and expansive play styles.
Nrl
Involves play-the-ball restarts.
After a tackle in NRL, the play-the-ball restart is a critical moment for launching attacks.
Afl
Scores include goals and behinds.
Scoring in AFL can be done through goals for six points or behinds for one point.
Nrl
Focuses on physical tackles.
NRL games highlight the skill and intensity of physical tackles.
Afl
Emphasizes kicking and catching.
AFL players are highly skilled in kicking long distances and catching.
Nrl
The United States Navy's defense laboratory that conducts basic and applied research for the Navy in a variety of scientific and technical disciplines
Afl
The American Football League.
Afl
A federation of North American labor unions that merged with the Congress of Industrial Organizations in 1955
Common Curiosities
What is the game duration for NRL and AFL?
NRL consists of two 40-minute halves, while AFL has four 20-minute quarters.
How is scoring done in AFL?
In AFL, scoring is done through goals worth six points and behinds worth one point each.
How is scoring done in NRL?
Scoring in NRL is achieved through tries, conversions after tries, and field goals.
What is NRL?
NRL stands for National Rugby League, a major rugby league competition in Australia and New Zealand.
What is AFL?
AFL stands for Australian Football League, the top professional competition in Australian rules football.
How many players are there in an NRL team?
There are 13 players per team in an NRL match.
What type of field is used in NRL?
NRL is played on a rectangular field.
How many players are there in an AFL team?
There are 18 players per team in an AFL match.
What type of field is used in AFL?
AFL is played on an oval-shaped field.
Which sport has a higher scoring game, NRL or AFL?
AFL generally has a higher scoring game due to the multiple scoring methods.
What is the shape of the ball used in NRL?
The NRL uses an elongated ball, which is easier to carry and pass.
What is the shape of the ball used in AFL?
The AFL uses a larger, oval-shaped ball, designed primarily for kicking.
Which league has a longer game duration?
AFL games are longer, divided into four quarters.
How does the play restart in NRL after a tackle?
In NRL, play restarts with a play-the-ball.
What are key skills in AFL?
Key skills in AFL include kicking, marking (catching), and handballing.
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Written by
Urooj ArifUrooj is a skilled content writer at Ask Difference, known for her exceptional ability to simplify complex topics into engaging and informative content. With a passion for research and a flair for clear, concise writing, she consistently delivers articles that resonate with our diverse audience.
Edited by
Tayyaba RehmanTayyaba Rehman is a distinguished writer, currently serving as a primary contributor to askdifference.com. As a researcher in semantics and etymology, Tayyaba's passion for the complexity of languages and their distinctions has found a perfect home on the platform. Tayyaba delves into the intricacies of language, distinguishing between commonly confused words and phrases, thereby providing clarity for readers worldwide.
