A 40/20 kick in rugby league is a tactical kick from a player who is behind their own 40-meter line that bounces in the field of play and then goes out of bounds inside the opponent’s 20-meter line. If done correctly, the kicking team gets possession back and a strong attacking position.

How it works

  • The kick must be taken from inside the team’s own half, behind the 40-meter line.
  • The ball has to bounce first on the field before going into touch.
  • It must cross the sideline inside the opposition’s 20-meter area.

Why teams use it

A successful 40/20 is valuable because it can flip field position in one play and give the attacking team the ball back in a dangerous area. It’s usually a high-risk, high-reward option, often used when a team needs a momentum shift or is struggling to make ground through normal sets.

Simple example

Imagine your team is trapped near its own half. A clever long kick lands, bounces, and skids into touch near the opponent’s try line area. Instead of losing ground, your team wins the scrum feed and suddenly has a chance to attack deep in the other team’s territory.

TL;DR: A 40/20 is a smart long kick that bounces into touch inside the opponent’s 20, giving your team the ball back and great field position.