What happens if you kick a 40/20?

What Happens When You Kick a 40/20?

If you've ever watched a tense rugby league match and seen a player launch a precise kick from behind the 40-meter line, curving it out of bounds just past the opponent's 20-meter line, you've witnessed the magic of a 40/20. For years, this skillful play has been one of the game's most rewarding tactical moves — and the rules around it have evolved to keep the sport flowing.

Traditionally, a successful 40/20 earned the kicking team a scrum feed, giving them valuable possession and a strategic edge. But in recent years, the rules shifted to encourage more continuous play and reduce stoppages. Now, when a player nails a 40/20, their team is awarded a tap restart — taken from alongside the touchline, in line with where the ball went out of bounds.

This change keeps the game moving and rewards not just accuracy, but also split-second decision-making. Instead of resetting with a scrum, the attacking side can quickly tap and launch another wave of attack, catching the defense off guard. It’s a small tweak that’s had a big impact on the pace and excitement of modern rugby league.

The 40/20 remains a high-risk, high-reward play. Get it wrong, and you're gifting territory. But when executed perfectly, it’s not just a tactical win — it’s a statement. Coaches drill it, fans cheer it, and players cherish it. In a sport where inches and seconds matter, the 40/20 is still one of the smartest weapons in the arsenal.