The NRL ladder
The ladder is only interesting when it moves. In the second half of the season it moves constantly - eighth spot changes hands on for-and-against, the top four swings on a single result - and a table that only updates at full time misses most of it.
A ladder that updates while games are on
Six Again recalculates the ladder as scores change, so you can watch teams climb and slide during a round instead of waiting for the last siren. Open the Season tab, pick Ladder, and it moves with the football. Free, with no account.
How the NRL ladder works
- Win
- 2 competition points
- Draw
- 1 competition point
- Bye
- 2 competition points
- First separator
- Points difference (points for minus points against)
- Finals places
- Top 8
- Double chance
- Top 4
For-and-against often separates teams level on competition points. The first tiebreak is raw points difference: every point scored minus every point conceded across the season. If that is also equal, the next countback compares points scored with points conceded as a percentage, followed by tries, goals, field goals and ultimately a coin toss if required. That is why margins can matter late in the season.
The bye-points problem
Mid-season the ladder stops making sense, and byes are the reason. Every club is awarded two points for its bye round, so a team that has had its bye can sit above a team with the same number of wins that hasn't. If you've ever looked at the table in June and thought something was off, that was it.
Six Again handles it two ways: a byes column on the standard ladder so you can see exactly who has had theirs, and a separate No Byes view that strips bye points out entirely for a clean read on how sides are actually travelling.
From the ladder to the finals
Where a team finishes decides how hard its September is. First to fourth get a qualifying final and a double chance - lose it and you're still alive. Fifth to eighth get an elimination final and nothing else: lose and the season is over. That gap is why the run home is played like it matters, and it's set out in full on the NRL finals page.
Once the eight is locked in, the finishing order sets the seeds, week-one matchups and hosting path. The finals bracket then proceeds without reseeding.
Watching your team's position
Every club page links to this ladder explanation. The live ladder itself is in Six Again, where you can also share it as a graphic. For eligible followed matches, lock-screen live scores can keep games that affect a team's position in view when the feature is enabled.
Watch the ladder move in real time
The live NRL ladder with a No Byes view, the full draw and lock-screen live scores. Free to use, with no gambling ads.
NRL ladder FAQ
How are NRL ladder positions decided?
A win is worth two competition points, a draw one and a bye two. Teams level on competition points are first separated by points difference: points scored minus points conceded. If that is equal, the next countback is points scored as a percentage of points conceded, followed by tries, goals, field goals and ultimately a coin toss if required.
How many teams make the NRL finals?
The top eight. Finishing in the top four also earns a double chance in week 1 of the finals, which is worth as much as the position itself.
Why do byes make the NRL ladder look wrong?
Teams are awarded two competition points for a bye, so a side that has had its bye can sit above a side with the same number of wins that hasn't. Six Again shows a byes column, and a No Byes view that strips bye points out entirely.
Can I see the NRL ladder update live?
Yes. Six Again recalculates the ladder while matches are still being played, so positions, points and for-and-against move as scores change rather than after full time. The ladder is free to use, with no account needed.