NRL 21

NRL 21 is a sports game and the second in the series of NRL video games. It will be developed by NovaPen Productions. It will be released in April 2021. Commentary will be provided by Ray Warren and Andrew Voss. It will be released on the PlayStation 4, PlayStation 5, Xbox One and Xbox Series X/S.
==Gameplay==
A 30-year career mode will include the ability to hire a coaching staff, negotiate player contracts and set player training programs, and sign sponsors. You can create custom teams in Footy Factory and share them online. Be A Pro has been added with the ability to take a forward or a back through the ranks of a reserve grade team into a full professional squad. An improved instant replay system including super slow-mo and user defined camera placement has been included. Dynamic time of day lighting with full sun movement and weather system giving dusk to night progress and mid game rain. A large amount of teams from Rugby League competitions around the world including the NRL, Super League and others will be included. Grass wears away in areas of play. Players will accumulate mud on their bodies specifically where they the field. Players will also sweat based on their exertion level.
All players in the game have been face-scanned in order to provide the best graphic product NovaPen Productions can produce. The game is also updated weekly, altering ratings, positions and anything necessary to provide the best in-game experience, following in the footsteps of video game franchises such as Madden NFL.
In changes from the prequel, the career mode has been extended to 30 years. The ease of COVID-19 restrictions also means that lower grade teams have been re-added to the game. NRL 20 had initially featured said teams before the outbreak led to the cancellation of lower grade competitions, leading to their removal before the game's release.
==Player Positions==
The game of rugby league recognises standardised numbering of positions. Starting squads normally wear numbers corresponding to their positions, with this only altering due to substitutions or position shifts during the match. In some competitions, most notably the Super League, players receive a squad number to wear all season, regardless of the position they play in.
===Backs===
There are seven backs, numbered from 1 to 7. Backs are notable for their speed and ball-handling skills, generally consisting of smaller and agile players.
====Fullback====
Numbered 1, the fullback's primary role is the last line of defense, standing behind the main line of defenders. A fullback's defensive role requires them to be able to chase down and tackle any player who manages to make a line break, while also being able to catch and return kicks made by the opposing team. In attack, a fullback usually acts as a support player, often being utilised to create an overlap in attack. The top three fullbacks in the game are James Tedesco, Roger Tuivasa-Sheck and Ryan Papenhuyzen.
====Wing====
Numbered 2 and 5, the wings are normally positioned closest to the sideline and are generally the fastest players in their team, being required to use their speed and agility to exploit space created for them and finish off a try. In defense, a winger's role is to mark their opposing wingers, often requiring them to catch and return kicks and assist the fullback by dropping behind the defensive line. The top three wingers in the game are Josh Addo-Carr, Daniel Tupou and David Nofoaluma.
====Centre====
Numbered 3 and 4, the centres are usually positioned inside the wingers and are generally the second-closest players in proximity with the sideline. In defense, a centre is expected to mark their opposite number. However, in attack, a centre's primary role is to provide an attacking threat out wide, often being either some of the strongest or fastest players on the pitch, often providing the final pass to their outside man for a try. The top three centres in the game are Joseph Manu, Dane Gagai and Stephen Crichton.
====Five-Eighth====
Numbered 6, the five-eighth typically acts as a strong runner and passer with speed and agility. The five-eighth is often regarded as the "second receiver", as they are usually the second player to receive the ball after the halfback in order to initiate an attacking play. The top three five-eighths in the game are Cameron Munster, Jack Wighton and Shaun Johnson.
====Halfback====
Numbered 7, the halfback's main role is to direct their team's play. Often referred to as the "first receiver", halfbacks often receive the ball first from the hooker, making them require judgement and instincts to act as important decision-makers in attack. The top four halfbacks in the game are Daly Cherry-Evans, Nathan Cleary and Jahrome Hughes.
===Forwards===
There are six forwards, numbered from 8 to 13. Forwards are notable for their strength and size, using these to fulfill their roles rather than agility and speed.
====Hooker====
Numbered 9, the hooker traditionally packs in the middle of the scrum's front row. The hooker's primary role is to act as the dummy-half, receiving the ball from the play-the-ball and continuing their team's attack by either passing the ball or running themselves. Due to their importance, hookers are required to be reliable in ball control and passing, similar to the skill-sets of halfbacks. The top three hookers in the game are Damien Cook, Apisai Koroisau and Josh Hodgson.
====Prop====
Numbered 8 and 10, the props pack themselves into the front row of the scrum on both sides of the hooker. Often the largest and heaviest players, props act as "battering rams" to gain traction in attack, while also acting as defense against their opposition's forwards. The top three prop forwards in the game are Josh Papalii, James Fisher-Harris and Sio Siua Taukeiaho.
====Second Row====
Numbered 11 and 12, second row forwards play similar roles to props but possess more speed and agility to cover a wider proximity in both attack and defense. Second rowers often see themselves work in unison with their respective centre and winger in attacking plays, while also being able to perform continuous amounts of tackles in defense. The top three second row forwards in the game are Viliame Kikau, Angus Crichton and David Fifita.
====Lock====
Numbered 13, the lock forward packs behind the two second row forwards in the scrum. Lock forwards play an important role in rugby league, with the lock's role to either simply act as a third prop or harness a skill set capable enough to act as an additional playmaker. The top three lock forwards in the game are Jason Taumalolo, Jake Trbojevic and Cameron Murray.
===Interchange===
In addition to the thirteen starting players, four substitute players are able to start the game on the bench. Typically numbered 14, 15, 16 and 17, each player keeps their number for the whole game, regardless of the position they replace. Players who are substituted are able to be allowed back into the game later on. Eight interchanges are permitted and if a player is injured due to a player's hand and the perpetrator is placed on report, the victim's team is given a free interchange. Positions typically covered on the interchange include a utility (player who can cover multiple positions, usually back positions), one or two replacement props (due to their heavy workload, will often tire the quickest) or second row and lock forwards (again regarding their heavy workload).
==Teams==
===Australia/New Zealand===
====National Rugby League====
Colours	Team 	Home ground(s) 	Head coach 	Captain(s) 	Star Players
 	Brisbane Broncos 	Suncorp Stadium 	Kevin Walters 	Alex Glenn 	Payne HaasAnthony MilfordKotoni Staggs
 	Canberra Raiders 	GIO Stadium 	Ricky Stuart 	Jarrod CrokerJosh Hodgson 	Jack WightonJosh PapaliiCharnze Nicoll-Klokstad
 	Canterbury-Bankstown Bulldogs	Stadium AustraliaBankwest StadiumBelmore Sports Ground 	Trent Barrett 	Josh Jackson 	Josh JacksonNick CotricKyle Flanagan
 	Cronulla-Sutherland Sharks 	Netstrata Jubilee Stadium 	John Morris 	Wade Graham 	Shaun JohnsonWade GrahamJosh Dugan
 	Gold Coast Titans 	Cbus Super Stadium 	Justin Holbrook	Jamal FogartyKevin Proctor 	David FifitaAJ BrimsonTino Fa'asuamaleaui
 	Manly-Warringah Sea Eagles 	Lottoland 	Des Hasler 	Daly Cherry-Evans 	Daly Cherry-EvansTom TrbojevicJake Trbojevic
 	Melbourne Storm 	AAMI Park 	Craig Bellamy 	Jesse BromwichDale Finucane 	Cameron MunsterRyan PapenhuyzenJahrome Hughes
 	Newcastle Knights 	McDonald Jones Stadium 	Adam O'Brien 	Kalyn PongaBlake GreenDaniel SaifitiJayden BraileyMitchell Barnett	Kalyn PongaDavid KlemmerTyson Frizell
 	New Zealand Warriors 	Mt Smart StadiumCentral Coast Stadium 	Nathan Brown 	Roger Tuivasa-Sheck 	Roger Tuivasa-SheckAddin Fonua-BlakeTohu Harris
 	North Queensland Cowboys 	Queensland Country Bank Stadium 	Todd Payten 	Michael MorganJason Taumalolo 	Jason TaumaloloValentine HolmesMichael Morgan
 	Parramatta Eels 	Bankwest Stadium 	Brad Arthur 	Clint Gutherson 	Clint GuthersonMitchell MosesNathan Brown
 	Penrith Panthers 	Panthers Stadium 	Ivan Cleary 	Nathan ClearyIsaah Yeo 	Nathan ClearyViliame KikauApisai Koroisau
 	South Sydney Rabbitohs 	Stadium Australia 	Wayne Bennett 	Adam Reynolds 	Damien CookLatrell MitchellCameron Murray
 	St. George Illawarra Dragons 	Netstrata Jubilee StadiumWIN Stadium 	Anthony Griffin	Ben Hunt 	Cameron McInnesBen HuntZac Lomax
 	Sydney Roosters 	Sydney Cricket Ground 	Trent Robinson 	Boyd CordnerJake Friend 	James TedescoLuke KearyAngus Crichton
 	Wests Tigers 	Campbelltown Sports StadiumBankwest StadiumLeichhardt Oval	Michael Maguire	James Tamou 	David NofoalumaJames TamouJames Roberts
====Knock-On Effect NSW Cup====
Colours	Team 	Home ground(s) 	Head coach 	Captain(s) 	Star Players
 	Blacktown Workers Sea EaglesFeeder club to Manly-Warringah Sea Eagles 	HE Laybutt FieldLottoland 	Matt Ballin 	Brad Keighran	Tim SimonaDylan SmithBrad Keighran
 	Canberra RaidersFeeder club to Canberra Raiders 	GIO StadiumBelconnen Oval 	Peter Marrapodi	TBA 	Albert HopoateElijah AndersonBrad Schneider
 	Mount Pritchard MountiesFeeder club to Canterbury-Bankstown Bulldogs 	Aubrey Keech ReserveStadium AustraliaBelmore Sports Ground 	Michael Potter 	TBA 	Ava SeumanufagaiBrad DeitzReuben Porter
 	Newcastle KnightsFeeder club to Newcastle Knights 	McDonald Jones Stadium 	Andrew Ryan 	TBA 	Zac HoskingMat CrokerMcKenzie Baker
 	Newtown JetsFeeder club to Cronulla-Sutherland Sharks 	Henson ParkNetstrata Jubilee Stadium 	Greg Matterson 	TBA 	Gabe HamlinTyrone PhillipsD'Rhys Miller
 	North Sydney BearsFeeder club to Sydney Roosters 	North Sydney Oval 	Jason Taylor 	Max Bailey 	Brad AbbeyTony SatiniTuku Hau Tapuha
 	Parramatta EelsFeeder club to Parramatta Eels 	Bankwest StadiumRingrose Park 	Ryan Carr 	TBA 	Tim LafaiMakahesi MakatoaToa Mata'afa
 	Penrith PanthersFeeder club to Penrith Panthers 	Panthers Stadium 	Peter Wallace 	TBA 	Kurt FallsBilly TsikrikasJohn Faiumu
 	South Sydney RabbitohsFeeder club to South Sydney Rabbitohs 	Stadium AustraliaRedfern Oval 	Steve Antonelli	TBA 	Joe LovoduaJacob GagaiCJ Mundine
 	St. George Illawarra DragonsFeeder club to St. George Illawarra Dragons	WIN StadiumNetstrata Jubilee StadiumCollegians Sporting Complex	Mathew Head 	TBA 	Charly RuncimanTyran WishartJaiyden Hunt
 	Western Suburbs MagpiesFeeder club to Wests Tigers 	Campbelltown Sports StadiumLeichhardt OvalLidcombe Oval 	Ben Gardiner 	TBA 	Zach Dockar-ClayAllan FitzgibbonKiah Cooper
====Intrust Super Cup====
Colours	Team 	Home ground(s) 	Head coach 	Captain(s) 	Star Players
 	Brisbane TigersFeeder club to Melbourne Storm 	Totally Workwear Stadium	Jon Buchanan 	TBA 	Gerard BealeMarion SeveDarren Nicholls
 	Burleigh BearsFeeder club to Gold Coast Titans 	Pizzey Park 	Rick Stone 	Luke Page 	Luke PageKurtis RowePat Politoni
 	Central Queensland CaprasFeeder club to Brisbane Broncos 	Browne Park 	Guy Williams 	Jack Madden 	Nixon PutAaron TeroiTreymaine Brown
 	Ipswich JetsFeeder club to Newcastle Knights 	North Ipswich Reserve 	Keiron Lander 	Nat Neale 	Josh CleelandKierran MoseleyNat Neale
 	Mackay CuttersFeeder club to North Queensland Cowboys 	BB Print Stadium 	Michael Crawley 	Ross Bella 	Ata HinganoRoss BellaPaul Byrnes
 	Northern PrideFeeder club to North Queensland Cowboys 	Barlow Park 	Ty Williams 	Jayden HodgesChris Ostwald	Jayden HodgesJoe EichnerNick Lui-Toso
 	Norths DevilsFeeder club to Brisbane Broncos 	Bishop Park 	Rohan Smith 	Jack Ahearn 	Danny LeviLeivaha PuluBen Nakubuwai
 	Papua New Guinea Hunters 	PNG Football Stadium 	Matt Church 	Ase Boas 	Ase BoasStanton AlbertEdwin Ipape
 	Redcliffe DolphinsFeeder club to New Zealand Warriors 	Moreton Daily Stadium 	Adam Mogg 	Cameron Cullen 	Cameron CullenJarrett SublooLachlan Timm
 	Souths Logan MagpiesFeeder club to Brisbane Broncos 	Davies Park 	Steve Bretherton	TBA 	Karmichael HuntAlbert KellyKevin Locke
 	Sunshine Coast FalconsFeeder club to Melbourne Storm 	Sunshine Coast Stadium 	Sam Mawhinney 	TBA 	Jarrod MullenKurt BaptisteTyson Smoothy
 	Townsville BlackhawksFeeder club to North Queensland Cowboys	Jack Manski Oval 	Aaron Payne 	Sam Hoare 	Josh HoffmanCameron KingKalifa Faifai Loa
 	Tweed Head SeagullsFeeder club to Gold Coast Titans 	Piggabeen Sports Complex	Ben Woolf 	TBA 	JJ CollinsWill BrimsonLindon McGrady
 	Wynnum Manly SeagullsFeeder club to Brisbane Broncos 	BMD Kougari Oval 	Adam Brideson 	TBA 	Issac LukeZeb TaiaSelwyn Cobbo
===England===
====Super League====
Colours	Team 	Home ground(s) 	Head coach 	Captain(s) 	Star Players
 	Castleford Tigers 	Mend-A-Hose Jungle 	Daryl Powell 	Michael Shenton 	Paul McShaneDanny RichardsonJake Trueman
 	Catalans Dragons 	Stade Gilbert Brutus 	Steve McNamara 	Benjamin Garcia 	James MaloneySam TomkinsBenjamin Garcia
 	Huddersfield Giants 	John Smith's Stadium 	Ian Watson 	Aidan Sezer 	Aidan SezerJermaine McGillvaryMichael Lawrence
 	Hull F.C. 	KCOM Stadium 	Brett Hodgson 	Danny Houghton 	Jake ConnorMarc SneydManu Ma'u
 	Hull Kingston Rovers	Hull College Craven Park Stadium	Tony Smith 	Shaun Kenny-Dowall	Jordan AbdullBen CrooksShaun Kenny-Dowall
 	Leeds Rhinos 	Emerald Headingley Stadium 	Richard Agar 	Luke Gale 	Ash HandleyZane TetevanoLuke Gale
 	Leigh Centurions 	Leigh Sports Village 	John Duffy 	Liam Hood 	Ben FlowerJoe MellorRyan Brierley
 	Salford Red Devils 	AJ Bell Stadium 	Richard Marshall	Lee Mossop 	Tui LoloheaKrisnan InuKallum Watkins
 	St Helens R.F.C. 	Totally Wicked Stadium 	Kristian Woolf 	James Roby 	Lachlan CooteJonny LomaxAlex Walmsley
 	Wakefield Trinity 	Mobile Rocket Stadium 	Chris Chester 	Jacob Miller 	Tom JohnstoneJoe WestermanReece Lyne
 	Warrington Wolves 	Halliwell Jones Stadium 	Steve Price 	Jack Hughes 	Greg InglisGareth WiddopBlake Austin
 	Wigan Warriors 	DW Stadium 	Adrian Lam 	Thomas Leuluai 	John BatemanBevan FrenchJackson Hastings
====RFL Championship====
Colours	Team 	Home ground(s) 	Head coach 	Captain(s) 	Star Players
 	Batley Bulldogs 	Fox's Biscuits Stadium 	Craig Lingard 	TBA 	Jodie BroughtonBen WhiteLuke Hooley
 	Bradford Bulls 	Tetley's Stadium 	John Kear 	Steve Crossley	Danny BroughAaron MurphyJordan Lilley
 	Dewsbury Rams 	Tetley's Stadium 	Lee Greenwood 	Paul Sykes 	Liam FinnChris AnnakinWill Oakes
 	Featherstone Rovers	LD Nutrition Stadium 	James Webster 	James Lockwood	Craig HallBrett FerresCraig Kopczak
 	Halifax Panthers 	The MBi Shay 	Simon Grix 	Brandon Moore 	Scott GrixDaniel MurrayLiam Harris
 	London Broncos 	Plough Lane 	Danny Ward 	Will Lovell 	Jarrod SammutChris HankinsonAbbas Miski
 	Newcastle Thunder 	Kingston Park 	Eamon O'Carroll	Bob Beswick 	Bob BeswickJosh WoodsCalum Turner
 	Oldham R.L.F.C. 	Bower Fold 	Matt Diskin 	Gareth Owen 	Ryan InceGareth OwenDanny Langtree
 	Sheffield Eagles 	Sheffield Olympic Legacy Stadium	Mark Aston 	Matt James 	Joel FarrellAnthony ThackerayIzaac Farrell
 	Swinton Lions 	Heywood Road 	Stuart Littler 	Will Hope 	Liam ForsythRhodri LloydMartyn Ridyard
 	Toulouse Olympique 	Stade Ernest-Wallon 	Sylvain Houles 	TBA 	Mark KheirallahRémi CastyJoseph Paulo
 	Whitehaven R.L.F.C.	Recreation Ground 	Gary Charlton 	Marc Shackley 	Gregg McNallyJessie Joe ParkerCallum Phillips
 	Widnes Vikings 	Halton Stadium 	Simon Finnigan 	Jack Owens 	Jack OwensLogan TomkinsMatty Smith
 	York City Knights 	Bootham Crescent 	James Ford 	Chris Clarkson	Adam CuthbertsonRyan AtkinsBen Jones-Bishop
====RFL League 1====
Colours	Team 	Home ground(s) 	Head coach 	Captain(s) 	Star Players
 	Barrow Raiders 	Craven Park 	Paul Crarey 	Jarrad Stack 	Ryan ShawAdam WalneBen Harrison
 	Coventry Bears 	Butts Park Arena 	Richard Squires 	TBA 	David ScottLiam WelhamBen Pointer
 	Doncaster R.L.F.C. 	Keepmoat Stadium 	Richard Horne 	Brad Foster 	Watson BoasBen JohnstonMisi Taulapapa
 	Hunslet R.L.F.C. 	South Leeds Stadium	Gary Thornton 	Duane Straugheir	Dominic BrambaniDuane StraugheirVila Halafihi
 	Keighley Cougars 	Cougar Park 	Rhys Lovegrove 	Kyle Kesik 	Jake WebsterWellington AlbertQuentin Laulu-Togaga'e
 	London Skolars 	New River Stadium 	Jermaine Coleman 	TBA 	Omari CaroDalton GrantLamont Bryan
 	North Wales Crusaders 	Queensway Stadium 	Anthony Murray 	TBA 	Ben MorrisRob MassamJack Holmes
 	Ottawa AcesWill be admitted into competition in 2022	TD Place Stadium 	Laurent Frayssinous	TBA 	Louis JouffretJack JohnsonGavin Marguerite
 	Rochdale Hornets 	Crown Oil Arena 	Matt Calland 	Sean Penkywicz 	Fuifui MoimoiGavin BennionShaun Ainscough
 	West Wales Raiders 	Stebonheart Park 	Aaron Wood 	Rangi Chase 	Rangi ChaseGavin HensonMorgan Allen
 	Workington Town 	Derwent Park 	Chris Thorman 	Carl Forber 	Carl ForberJamie DoranConor Fitzsimmons
===Representative Teams===
====National Teams====
Colours	Team 	Home ground(s) 	Head coach 	Captain(s) 	Star Players
 	Australia 	Suncorp Stadium 	Mal Meninga 	Boyd Cordner 	James TedescoCameron MunsterDaly Cherry-Evans
 	England 	Leigh Sports Village 	Shaun Wane 	Josh Hodgson 	Josh HodgsonJonny LomaxJohn Bateman
 	Fiji 	ANZ National Stadium 	Brandon Costin 	Kevin Naiqama 	Viliame KikauMaika SivoKevin Naiqama
 	France 	Stade Albert Domec 	Aurélien Cologni	Théo Fages 	Théo FagesTony GigotMorgan Escaré
 	New Zealand 	Mt Smart Stadium 	Michael Maguire 	Benji Marshall 	Shaun JohnsonRoger Tuivasa-SheckTohu Harris
 	Papua New Guinea	PNG Football Stadium 	Michael Marum 	Rhyse Martin 	Alex JohnstonJustin OlamRhyse Martin
 	Samoa 	Apia Park 	Matt Parish 	Anthony MilfordJoseph Leilua 	Martin TaupauDavid NofoalumaJunior Paulo
 	Tonga 	Tenefaira Field Stadium	Kristian Woolf 	Jason TaumaloloSio Siua Taukeiaho	Jason TaumaloloSio Siua TaukeiahoAndrew Fifita
====State of Origin====
Colours	Team 	Home ground(s) 	Head coach 	Captain(s) 	Star Players
 	New South Wales Blues	Stadium Australia	Brad Fittler	Boyd Cordner 	James TedescoDamien CookNathan Cleary
 	Queensland Maroons 	Suncorp Stadium 	Paul Green 	Daly Cherry-Evans	Cameron MunsterDaly Cherry-EvansJosh Papalii
====All Stars====
Colours	Team 	Home ground(s) 	Head coach 	Captain(s) 	Star Players
 	Indigenous All Stars	Stadium Australia	Laurie Daley 	Cody Walker 	Jack WightonDavid FifitaWade Graham
 	Māori All Stars 	Mt Smart Stadium 	David Kidwell	Dallin Watene-ZelezniakJoseph Tapine	Kalyn PongaJahrome HughesBrandon Smith
===Women's Rugby League===
====NRLW====
Colours	Team 	Home ground(s) 	Head coach 	Captain(s) 	Star Players
 	Brisbane Broncos 	Suncorp Stadium 	Kelvin Wright	Ali Brigginshaw	Ali BrigginshawTamika UptonTarryn Aiken
 	New Zealand Warriors 	Mt Smart Stadium 	Brad Donald 	Georgia Hale 	Georgia HaleEvania PeliteKarina Brown
 	St. George Illawarra Dragons	Netstrata Jubilee StadiumWIN Stadium	Daniel Lacey 	Kezie Apps 	Isabelle KellyKezie AppsJessica Sergis
 	Sydney Roosters 	Sydney Cricket Ground 	John Strange 	Corban McGregor	Zahara TemaraCharlotte CaslickHannah Southwell
====Women's State of Origin====
Colours	Team 	Home ground(s) 	Head coach 	Captain(s) 	Star Players
 	New South Wales Blues	Stadium Australia	Kylie Hilder 	Kezie Apps 	Isabelle KellyKezie AppsHannah Southwell
 	Queensland Maroons 	Suncorp Stadium 	Jason Hetherington	Ali Brigginshaw	Ali BrigginshawTamika UptonTarryn Aiken
====National Teams====
Colours	Team 	Home ground(s) 	Head coach 	Captain(s) 	Star Players
 	Australia 	Suncorp Stadium 	Brad Donald	Ali Brigginshaw	Ali BrigginshawTamika UptonKezie Apps
 	New Zealand	Mt Smart Stadium	Ricky Henry	Georgia Hale 	Georgia HaleAmber HallHoney Hireme-Smiler
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