Rules of Rugby League (Basics)

Passing

While the aim is to run forward, the ball can only be passed backwards. If a pass is thrown forwards the opposition will receive the ball.

Here is my latest Album: http://imgur.com/a/Liplx

and also: Rugby League - A History of Oppression: http://imgur.com/gallery/xzSQ9

The aim of the game is to score points

The main way to do this is to score a "try". You score a try by touching the ball down in the "in-goal" area, much like the American Football's "Endzone".

A try is worth 4 points.

Downward pressure.

You don't have to be carrying the ball to score a try. Downward pressure on the ball is all that is needed.

Conversions

After scoring a try, you are given a free kick off of a kicking tee. It is worth two points.

Note: If the try was scored between the goal posts, the conversion kick will be taken inline with the posts, if the try was scored out wide, near the sideline, the conversion has to be kicked from next to the sideline. The kicker is free to take the kick as far back as they wish as long as it is in line with where the try was scored.

Penalty Kicks

If a penalty is given a team can have two options, they can continue playing for a try or take a penalty kick where the infringement was made.

A penalty kick is also worth two points.

Drop goal

Drop goals (half volley kick) are worth one point and are high risk. They are used only if very necessary.

Defence

To stop your opponent scoring a try you must tackle the offence. You must stay holding the player or they may get up and run again.

The offence gets six tackles (like downs in American football) to score then must hand the ball over to their opposition.

Typical Tackle and play-the-ball

Once a player is tackled they must then "play-the-ball". Playing-the-ball involves rolling the ball behind you underneath a lifted leg. You may use that leg to sweep the ball back to your teammate behind.

Note: It is advantageous for the attacking side to play-the-ball quickly, catching the defence off guard. The defence can employ tactics to slow down the play-the-ball but run the risk of a penalty at the referee's discretion.

The defence must reset and retreat 10 metres except for two "markers" who line up directly in front of the play-the-ball.

Fifth tackle options

On the fifth tackle a team will generally kick the ball to A) attempt to score a try or B) make the distance the opposition has to cover to score themselves greater.

Note: A team can kick the ball at any time. All players chasing the kicked ball have to be behind the kicker at the moment the ball is struck with the foot.

Here is a full game: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Dcutdzl0tRk
You should now know 90% of the rules. Don't be afraid to ask any questions.

Here are some highlight .gifs: http://imgur.com/a/Ymq8p

Rugby League: A history of opression - http://imgur.com/gallery/xzSQ9