How long does an NRL game go for? Match time, length, minutes for National Rugby League

Joshua Mayne

How long does an NRL game go for? Match time, length, minutes for National Rugby League image

Games in the NRL are relatively short compared to some of the world's other sports leagues, but that doesn't mean there is a shortage of action.

Players are tested physically and mentally as they give it their all across two intense halves of match play.

The Sporting News takes you through the key timings for an NRL match.

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How long does an NRL game go for? 

An NRL game consists of two 40-minute halves, with a total playing time of 80 minutes.

Unlike other sports like football, rugby league does not use a rolling clock.

Rather, the clock is paused when there is a stoppage in play, which typically occur for penalties and injuries.

Another unique component of rugby league is that full-time can only be called once the final play is completed after 80 minutes, giving the team in possession one last chance to score.

Factoring in stoppages and a 10-minute half-time break, an NRL game typically lasts between 90 and 100 minutes from start to finish.

How long is NRL half-time?

Half-time in the NRL lasts for 10 minutes.

It is sandwich between two 40-minute halves, with players returning to their respective changing rooms.

Jack Wighton
(Getty Images)

The timing does differ in State of Origin, though, with players afforded a 15-minute break.

How long is an NRLW game?

Female players in the NRLW competition have shorter matches, with halves lasting 35 minutes each.

This is an increase on the previous 30-minute halves.

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Joshua Mayne

Joshua Mayne Photo

Joshua Mayne is a content producer for The Sporting News Australia based in Sydney, Australia. He has previously worked as a newsreader at 2SER and journalist at Ministry of Sport. While Joshua’s main passions are football, rugby league, basketball and F1, he will watch any sport that's on. He is still waiting for Arsenal to win the Premier League again.