Kangaroos Semi-Final Dossier · Cluefox Rugby League Intelligence

Evidence code:OS official NRL match-centre statPR public reportBS broadcast scoreboardNE not establishedTP team target / coaching proposal

Head coach's page

Fixture: Australia v Samoa · Sunday 8 November · Allianz Stadium · 8.05 pm AEDT. OS ^S25

Plan: Control the ball and ruck. Finish as called. Chase together for two tackles. TP ^S21

Our three jobs

Job	Match action	Measure
Ball control and set finish · G1	Carry square, keep support and complete the called finish.	Complete at least 8/10 opening sets and at least 82% overall. Avoid consecutive unforced losses. TP ^S21
Middle and ruck · G2	Win the carry and leave a playable play-the-ball (PTB). Release, set the markers and move A/B together.	From the same starting field position, gain at least as many effective metres as Samoa. Make at least 90% effective tackles. TP ^S21
High ball and restarts · G5	Call and take the kick, support the catcher and react to loose ball. Land restarts as called.	Take at least 80% of kicks cleanly. Land every restart within the law. TP ^S21

Three Samoa threats

Threat	Our answer
Samoa break tackles and offload.	Make square contact. The second defender controls the offload; we then release and rebuild. OS ^S22–S24
Samoa turn high kicks into loose balls.	The primary catcher calls, the second supports and the nearest player reacts. PR ^{S24, S27}
Samoa scored 14 unanswered points from 50' to 69' against Tonga.	Finish in the corner, chase and complete the tackle. Reset the score, time and ruck. OS ^S24

Match lines

With ball: Earn the middle. Call the finish by tackle three. Set two threats and the kicker by tackle four.
Without ball: Make square contact, release, set the markers and move together.
Last tackle: Give the kicker room, read the backfield, leave onside and chase together.
Restarts: Land the kick. Hold the front line for short. Name two carries before a deep take.

Calls and decisions to confirm

Scenario	Job	Squad wording
Protecting a lead	Finish in the corner, chase together and concede no cheap exit.	Team call · protect a lead
Chasing	Earn the ruck, keep two threats and seek a repeat set or a start inside their 10.	Team call · chase the game
Tied or golden point	Set field position, protect the kicker and know the run, kick and field-goal follow-up.	Team call · tied or golden point

Staff insert the squad's calls and starting positions. Confirm how we score effective metres and attacking kicks, plus the Captain's Challenge and golden-point rules.

Where we are: three-match review

Three-match numbers

Measure	New Zealand, 24–22	Fiji, 36–22	Cook Islands, 66–6	Read for us
Completion	30/39, 76%	31/38, 81%	30/45, 66%	Completion varied across three games. OS ^S1–S3
Errors	9	11	15	Our largest win contained the most errors. OS ^S1–S3
Penalties conceded	5	4	4	We lost field position in every game. OS ^S1–S3
Ruck infringements	5	4	3	The issue repeated, so code each cost. OS ^S1–S3
Run metres	1,676 v 1,959	1,560 v 1,248	2,047 v 1,148	New Zealand led yardage; we led the other games. OS ^S1–S3
Post-contact metres	457 v 578	411 v 434	580 v 390	We trailed New Zealand and Fiji after contact. OS ^S1–S3
Average set distance	42.98 v 47.79	41.07 v 32.85	45.50 v 31.05	The set-distance deficit came against New Zealand. OS ^S1–S3
Line breaks	1 v 5	7 v 3	13 v 1	Strike came through against Fiji and Cook Islands. New Zealand held us to one break. OS ^S1–S3
Effective tackle	85.75%	93.58%	86.92%	Two games fell below the 90% target. OSTP ^S1–S3
Kick defusal	48%, 11/23	71%, 5/7	64%, 7/11	Every game fell below the 80% target. OSTP ^S1–S3
Forced dropouts	0	1	0	We must code the genuine repeat-set chances. OSNE ^S1–S3

Match reading

Match	What happened	Our read
New Zealand · won 24–22	We trailed possession. We played ten minutes with 12 after Kotoni Staggs' professional-foul sin-bin. Reece Walsh put a dropout out on the full. Tom Trbojevic mishandled a kick before a no-try. Jack Bostock scored three tries and ran 231 metres. Walsh ran 206 metres, broke nine tackles, made a try-saving tackle and scored from long range. We made two intercepts and finished aerial chances.	Strike cannot be our only route. OSPR ^{S1, S4}
Fiji · won 36–22	Fiji reportedly dominated the middle for long periods. Trbojevic's own-half error began Fiji pressure. Two long cut-outs produced Valemei tries, one beyond his hand. Tedesco had three try assists and joined five of six tries. Trbojevic scored a hat-trick. A quick PTB and Tedesco dummy-half run produced Walker's try.	Review the middle, right edge and errors across each full set. OSPR ^{S2, S5–S6}
Cook Islands · won 66–6	A penalty against Harry Grant for interfering with a kick chaser preceded Rua Ngatikaura's dummy-half try. Our next kick-off went dead on the full. Reports recorded Martin's dropped short ball, Grant's handling and forward pass, Walsh's bomb fumble and two late penalties. Bostock and Trbojevic scored hat-tricks. Fa'asuamaleaui scored twice. Dearden, Munster, Grant and Walsh created line-break or try sequences.	Kick takes and discipline still set our work. OSPR ^{S3, S7}

Ranked priorities

Ball control · G1
Discipline and ruck · G3
Restart and kick receive · G5
Middle and ruck · G2
Edge and goal-line · G4
Last tackle and spine · G6/G7
Bench continuity · G8

Gaps, unit plans and measures

Team gaps

Priority	Target, work and measure
Ball control · G1	Complete at least 82% overall and 8/10 opening sets. Avoid consecutive losses. Use D1 set finish and chase and D7 spine by zone. TP ^S21
Middle and ruck · G2	From the same field start, match Samoa's effective metres. Keep three defenders together on at least 8/10 rucks. Use D2 middle carry and ruck and D3 goal-line to exit. TP ^S21
Discipline · G3	Concede no restart, escort, kick-pressure, late six-again or early exit penalty. Use referee-led ruck, last-tackle and scenario work. TP ^S21
Defensive line · G4	Make at least 90% effective tackles and 8/10 correct calls. Stop dummy-half on the first eight goal-line rucks. Use D3 goal-line to exit and D4 right-edge decisions. TP ^S21
Restarts and kick receive · G5	Land every restart within the law, take at least 80% cleanly and call two carries. Use D5 restarts and D6 last-tackle kick and chase. TP ^S21
Set finish · G6	Execute at least 4/5 kick chains. Produce value on at least 50% of genuine try or repeat-set chances. Use D1 set finish and chase, D6 last-tackle kick and chase and D9 two-minute and golden point. TP ^S21
Close games · G9	Run the first two plans without a prompt. Use D9 two-minute and golden point. TP ^{S14, S21}

Attack

Unit or zone	Job and check
Spine: 9, 13, 7, 6 and 1	Our ruck and edge strike are evident; tackle-four organisation across all sets is not established. Nine fixes the markers and A, then calls the tempo. The 13 squares the middle and links the shape. Seven calls the long-side finish. Six keeps the short side and run threat alive. One counts the edge and backfield and can play second receiver or sweep. By tackle four, give the kicker room, keep two options live and call the finish. NETP ^S21
Exit: own 0–30	Use two strong back-three or middle carries. Nine runs on beaten markers. Set shape by tackle three and protect the kick. Compare the same field starts. TP ^S21
Midfield: 30–70	Compress A/B with a square carry. Play from a won PTB and set both sides by tackle four. Include a comparable no-score rep. TP ^S21
Good ball: 70–100	Use a primary shape, counter and kick answer. Ask a defender before width. Review genuine chances rather than tries. TP ^S21

Call territory and chase Team call · exit set, repeat pressure Team call · pressure set, a scoring shape Team call · strike set, or broken-field support Team call · transition.

Defence

Unit	Job and check
Middles	The first three defenders leave together. Make square contact, release, set the markers and keep A inside. Use `Team call · square after settled PTB` and `Team call · fold when the short side is light`.
Right edge	Count and call early. Protect inside and kick behind. Use `Team call · hold settled numbers`, `Team call · early jam or numbers down` and `Team call · kick behind`. Review from marker and A.
Goal-line	Marker one takes ball, marker two closes the opposite hip and A protects short. B and C hold the edge; fullback counts. Stop dummy-half and avoid a release penalty for eight rucks. TP ^S21
Scramble	The first saver stops ball, the second takes support and the third rebuilds middle. The edge recounts before the next PTB.

Kick game

Phase	Plan and call
Kick-off	Kick long by default and short only for a contest. Name landing and lanes. Insert the current long, short-left, short-right and hold calls.
Receiving restart	The front line calls short, the backfield calls deep and both name two carries. Insert the current short-threat and deep-kick calls.
Exit kick	Kick behind a won ruck and protector. Find the corner or grass. Insert the current corner, space and early-kick calls.
Attacking kick	Bomb with a contest and loose-ball plan. Grubber when a try or repeat is on. Insert the current high-kick, in-goal and run calls.
Kick receive	The primary calls, the second supports and the nearest reacts. Insert the current primary, second and loose-ball calls.

Interchange and the 80-minute plan

Performance and medical staff set participation, running, contact and minutes.

Phase	Job
0–20	Keep one spine organiser and two middle communicators. Make a change if the first three stop moving together, a role is uncovered or the staff plan calls for it.
Entry	Give the replacement four parts: score and time, possession, next set, and defensive call. The bench leader checks all four.
Samoa bench momentum	Keep markers and A together and preserve the exit call. Use a fresh middle when the football need and staff clearance align. Set no fixed minute.
55–70	Keep the last-play caller, nine and 13 link, and goal-line communicator.
70–80 and golden point	Cover field position, kick, kick receive, goal-line and challenge jobs.

We used six, seven and six interchanges. Public evidence does not establish a fault. Compare the same field starts and leave the result blank. NE ^S1–S3

Player development priorities

This staff page makes no selection, rating, medical or mental-state call. Public events set narrow tasks without assigning unit fault.

Public event priorities

Player	Keep, clip, work and check
Reece Walsh	Walsh ran 206 metres, broke nine tackles, made a cover tackle and scored long range. Keep his left-edge work. Review two restarts out on the full and a bomb fumble. Use D5 restarts and D6 last-tackle kick and chase. Target 10/10 restarts, 8/10 takes and repeat the check on D-2 without a coach call. OSPRTP ^{S1, S3–S4, S7, S21}
Harry Grant	Keep his ruck chances, in-goal kick and final try. Review the penalty for interfering with a kick chaser, a handling error and a forward pass. Use D2 middle carry and ruck and D6 last-tackle kick and chase. Target at least 8/10 correct choices, no escort penalty and at least 9/10 passes that reach the receiver in front of the support line. PRTP ^{S3, S7, S21}
Liam Martin	Keep his edge role; the reports add no match-specific positive. Review the dropped short ball. Use D7 spine by zone for late hands and timing. Target at least 8/10 secure PTBs or line breaks, then repeat the check on D-2 without a coach call. PRNETP ^{S3, S7, S21}
Tom Trbojevic	Keep his two hat-tricks and intercept try. Review the own-half error and mishandled kick. Use D6 last-tackle kick and chase and D1 set finish and chase. Target at least 8/10 correct takes and no unforced own-half loss. PRTP ^{S1–S7, S21}
Kotoni Staggs	Keep his two tries, line running and finish. Review the professional-foul sin-bin; the right edge stays a unit task. Use D4 right-edge decisions and D8 bench entry and exit. Target at least 8/10 correct calls and no professional foul. OSPRTP ^{S1–S5, S7, S21}
Isaah Yeo	The reviewed reports do not establish match-specific link or leadership performance. Keep the proposed 13 connection role. Review the mistimed play with Lindsay Smith and two official errors. Use D7 spine by zone. Target the same receiver read on at least 8/10 reps and an error-free check on D-2 without a coach call. OSPRNETP ^{S3, S7, S21}
Lindsay Smith	The reports establish no match-specific strength. Review the mistimed Yeo play and late errors. Use D2 middle carry and ruck for security and D7 spine by zone for timing. Target at least 8/10 secure, square results with the same read. OSPRNETP ^{S3, S7, S21}

Strengths to keep; no clip-based fix

Player	Staff note
Jack Bostock	Keep his two hat-tricks, 231 metres and clean spiral-bomb take. Use unit kick-receive and yardage work. PR ^{S4, S7}
James Tedesco	Keep his three try assists and involvement in five of six Fiji tries. Keep his first-receiver and fullback scan. PR ^S5–S6
Cameron Munster	Keep his kick for Bostock and the break that created Preston's try. Keep his run and kick threat within the called finish. An individual development point is not established. PRNE ^{S4, S7}
Tom Dearden	Keep the Trbojevic and Staggs tries he created. Keep his ruck and edge tempo while seven calls the finish. PR ^S7
Tino Fa'asuamaleaui	Keep his two tries and strong middle involvement. Apply the unit ruck task. PR ^S7
Jacob Preston	Keep the ball-running that reports identified as a strength, plus his tries against Fiji and Cook Islands. Keep his line timing. What drives it at an individual level is not established. PRNE ^{S5, S7}
Patrick Carrigan · Reuben Cotter	The reports establish no match-specific strength or fix. Apply the unit middle and discipline work. NE ^S1–S7
Keaon Koloamatangi	The reports establish no match-specific strength or fix. Apply the unit middle and defensive-line work. NE ^S1–S7
David Fifita · Cameron Murray · Latrell Mitchell · Mitchell Moses	The reports establish no match-specific strength or fix. NE ^S1–S7
Sam Walker	Keep his support finish from the Tedesco and Trbojevic sequence. The clips establish no individual fix. PR ^S5–S6
Blayke Brailey	The reports establish no match-specific strength or fix. Apply the unit nine work. NE ^S1–S7
Bradman Best	Keep his early Fiji kick clean-up and Cook Islands edge work. Review the full sequence before setting a personal task. PR ^{S2, S7}
Ethan Strange	Keep his debut bench involvement and final conversion. The clips establish no individual fix. PR ^{S3, S7}

These 24 players form our Round 1–3 list union, including the 19 and extended interchange. OS ^S8–S10

What Samoa will test in our game

Samoa's tournament numbers

Measure	France	Papua New Guinea	Tonga	Our answer
Tackle breaks	67	72	45	Use D2 middle carry and ruck and D3 goal-line to exit. Win contact, make the second effort and rebuild. OS ^S22–S24
Offloads	11	26	10	Keep the carrier, support and next two PTBs alive. OS ^S22–S24
Completion and errors	75% and 12	79% and 10	66% and 15	Earn pressure through our completion and chase. OS ^S22–S24

Rounds 1 and 2 were against France and Papua New Guinea. Those games show what Samoa have done, but they do not tell us what will happen in the semi-final. OS ^S22–S24

Other Samoa tests

Samoa evidence	Our answer
Samoa turned 14–4 down after 47' into an 18–14 lead after 69'. They scored at 50', 62' and 67'.	Use D9 two-minute and golden point. Finish in the corner, defend two tackles and reset score and time. Use `Team call · protect lead after momentum change`. OS ^S24
Both Brian To'o tries against Tonga followed spilled Jarome Luai high kicks. Samoa played the loose ball. Tonga's defusal was 45%; ours was 48%, 71% and 64%.	Use D6 last-tackle kick and chase. The primary calls, the second supports and the nearest reacts. OSPR ^{S24, S27}
Samoa defused 86% of Tonga's kicks.	Use D5 restarts and D6 last-tackle kick and chase. Vary the landing, protect the kicker and avoid escort contact. OS ^S24
Francis Manuleleua took a short kick-off in the first minute against Papua New Guinea. He ran 40 metres before the opening try.	Use D5 restarts. Keep the front line up and backfield deep. Use `Team call · short threat` and `Team call · deep kick`. PR ^S26
Samoa completed at 66% with 15 errors against Tonga.	Use D1 set finish and chase. Complete the set, land the pressure kick and win two tackles. Do not force a turnover or early pass. OS ^S24
At 18–14, Tonga's 72' prop break produced the tying try before the 74' conversion.	Use D2 middle carry and ruck and D7 spine by zone. Carry square, keep two threats and reach the called finish. Use `Team call · strike set`. OS ^S24

Weekly emphasis

Kick receive · G5 — Put the Tonga high-kick test in every D6 last-tackle kick and chase block. Keep the ≥80% target. TP ^S21
Second effort · G2/G4 — Use D2 middle carry and ruck and D3 goal-line to exit.
Late lead · G9 — Put the Tonga scoring sequence into D9 two-minute and golden point.
Earn pressure · G1/G6 — Earn pressure through D1 set finish and chase.
Middle strike · G2/G7 — Use D2 middle carry and ruck and D7 spine by zone.

The week · D-7 to D-1

Performance and medical staff set minutes, contact, travel, recovery, participation and stop rules.

Day	Work and check
D-7 · Sun 1	Recover as prescribed. Confirm Samoa and review the Tonga match alongside comparable sets that ended differently. Link each point to our job and drill. OSTP ^S24–S25
D-6 · Mon 2	Complete the medical and performance review. Show each unit one positive and failed sequence. Set one action and cue.
D-5 · Tue 3	Run D1 set finish and chase, D2 middle carry and ruck, D3 goal-line to exit and D5 restarts. Use prescribed modifications. Take the first KPI check and leave unseen results blank.
D-4 · Wed 4	Recover and use optional video or walkthrough. The spine and edge set tackle-four shape and last-play caller. Repeat each role and replacement call.
D-3 · Thu 5	Run D4 right-edge decisions, D6 last-tackle kick and chase, D7 spine by zone and the bench-momentum block. Make the call on at least 8/10 reps, complete at least 4/5 kick chains and concede no penalty. TP ^S21
D-2 · Fri 6	Run D1 set finish and chase, D3 goal-line to exit and D5 restarts without a prompt. Then run D8 bench entry and exit and D9 two-minute and golden point. Add score, time and noise after the skill. TP ^S20–S21
D-1 · Sat 7	At captain's run, rehearse the first set, restarts, take, finish, challenge, bench message and first golden-point plan. Leaders answer the coach. Add no new volume.

Kick-off, travel, sleep, meals, activation and warm-up remain in the high-performance plan. This report sets no load or medical decision.

Drill bank

Diagram coordinates: The field is 100 m × 68 m. The x-axis runs try line to try line; the y-axis runs left to right. Arrows use start -> end.

D1 · Set finish and chase · Team

Purpose: Complete the called set and win two chase tackles.

Set-up: Play 7 v 7 from our 15, halfway or the opposition 25. Call an exit, pressure or scoring finish. Keep the fifth-tackle kicker and back three live.

How it runs: Play the full set while defence varies ruck and edge. Organise tackle four, finish and play two chase tackles. Reset zone, score and short side.

Coaching points: Carry square · Keep two supports alive · Call the finish by tackle three · Do not force a pass.

Good looks like: Complete the called set, get the intended finish and win the first two chase tackles without an infringement.

Win criterion: Reach the finish without a penalty and win both chase tackles. Score at least 4/5, then repeat it on D-2 without a coach call. TP ^S21

Staff to set: Players/rotations __ · Field/grid __ · Time or reps __ · Work:rest __ · Contact level __ · Equipment __ · Coach/referee position __ · Progression __ · Team calls __

D2 · Middle carry and ruck · Middles and spine

Purpose: Win the carry and PTB, or win contact and reset square.

Set-up: Play 6 v 6 around a live ruck. Attack uses a carrier, two supports, nine, 13 and half. Defence uses two markers, A, B, C and a fold defender.

How it runs: Attack chooses direct, tip-on or nine-run. Defence wins contact, releases and reloads. Play two PTBs. Reset carry, support and markers; staff set contact.

Coaching points: Carry square and secure the ball · Square, release and reload · Nine calls markers and A · Score the read.

Good looks like: Attack leaves a square, secure, playable ruck with the next shape ready; defence wins contact, releases and resets square.

Win criterion: Attack leaves a playable PTB with the next shape ready. Defence holds effective metres while the markers and A/B reset without a penalty. Score the decision before revealing the outcome. TP ^S21

Staff to set: Players/rotations __ · Field/grid __ · Time or reps __ · Work:rest __ · Contact level __ · Equipment __ · Coach/referee position __ · Progression __ · Team calls __

D3 · Goal-line to exit · Middles and back three

Purpose: Stop the goal-line ruck and kick, then organise two carries.

Set-up: Play 8 v 8 in our 0–25 m zone from x=8,y=34 on tackle three. Markers, A, B, C, edges and fullback defend. Back three enter after turnover.

How it runs: Attack uses dummy-half, short middle, lead, sweep or grubber. Defend, field and complete two called carries. Reset at y=20/34/48; change tackle and short-side count.

Coaching points: Marker one takes the ball · Marker two closes the opposite hip · A protects short while B and C hold the edge · Fullback counts.

Good looks like: Shut the dummy-half lane, defend the kick cleanly and organise both exit carries.

Win criterion: Stop dummy-half, avoid a release penalty, set the edge and organise two carries. Win at least 7/8 and both exit plays. TP ^S21

Staff to set: Players/rotations __ · Field/grid __ · Time or reps __ · Work:rest __ · Contact level __ · Equipment __ · Coach/referee position __ · Progression __ · Team calls __

D3 · Goal-line ruck to exit. Own try line on the left.

AustraliaOpponentBall / ruckSolid = run · Dashed = kick or called option · Dotted = exit carry

D4 · Right-edge decisions · Right edge, spine and fullback

Purpose: Call early, protect the inside shoulder and handle the kick.

Set-up: Play 7 v 7 in the right channel, x=20–45 and y=34–68. Attack uses middle carry, lead, block and sweep, short ball or kick.

How it runs: Insert the current hold, jam and kick calls. Attack plays out the back, short, tip-on or kick through the next PTB. Reset the ruck speed, numbers and fullback start; include a numbers-down rep.

Coaching points: Review marker and A first · Make one early call · Protect the inside shoulder · Recount every tackle.

Good looks like: Make one early edge call, protect the inside shoulder, deal with the kick and rebuild for the next ruck.

Win criterion: Call once, protect inside, stop the outside ball, cover the kick and rebuild. Complete at least 8/10 correctly. TP ^S21

Staff to set: Players/rotations __ · Field/grid __ · Time or reps __ · Work:rest __ · Contact level __ · Equipment __ · Coach/referee position __ · Progression __ · Team calls __

D4 · Right-edge count: LOCK, RED, KICK. Own try line on the left.

AustraliaOpponentBall / ruckSolid = run · Dashed = kick or called option · Dotted = exit carry

D5 · Restarts · Kicker, front line and back three

Purpose: Land the restart, stay onside and organise the first ruck.

Set-up: Use a full-width restart with safe long, short-left and short-right options. The receivers set front-line and backfield responses.

How it runs: The kicker names the option and landing. Play the catch or contest through the first PTB. Insert the short and deep calls. Reset score and time; use short only on its trigger.

Coaching points: Breathe, target, cue and kick · Hold the front line · Leave onside · Keep the loose ball live.

Good looks like: Land the kick in the called area, stay onside, win the contest or take, and organise the first ruck.

Win criterion: Hit the called box and set the first PTB. Make 5/5 long and 3/4 for each short option. The match target is 100%. TP ^S21

Staff to set: Players/rotations __ · Field/grid __ · Time or reps __ · Work:rest __ · Contact level __ · Equipment __ · Coach/referee position __ · Progression __ · Team calls __

D5 · Restart lattice: long, short-left, short-right. Own try line on the left.

AustraliaOpponentBall / ruckSolid = run · Dashed = kick or called option · Dotted = exit carry

D6 · Last-tackle kick and chase · Spine, chase and back three

Purpose: Give the kicker room and connect the kick, chase and return defence.

Set-up: Play 9 v 9 from midfield and good-ball PTBs. The kicker can kick long, bomb, grubber, pass or run. Defence uses onside pressure and a live back three.

How it runs: Play tackle five or six through the take and two returns. The first pressure runner leaves onside; the chase holds its lanes. Reset the PTB location, backfield count and kicker's foot; include a loose ball.

Coaching points: Give the kicker room · Avoid reckless or escort contact · Chase together with inside help · Judge the next two tackles.

Good looks like: Give the kicker room, choose the right finish, chase onside in one line and organise the next two tackles.

Win criterion: Give the kicker room, choose the kick, concede no penalty and connect two tackles. Complete at least 4/5. TP ^S21

Staff to set: Players/rotations __ · Field/grid __ · Time or reps __ · Work:rest __ · Contact level __ · Equipment __ · Coach/referee position __ · Progression __ · Team calls __

D6 · Fifth-tackle kick chain (Australia kicking). Own try line on the left.

AustraliaOpponentBall / ruckSolid = run · Dashed = kick or called option · Dotted = exit carry

D7 · Spine by zone · Spine, middles and edges

Purpose: Have two threats and the finish ready by tackle four.

Set-up: Play 8 v 8 through three zones. Attack uses nine, 13, seven, six, one, two middles and an edge runner.

How it runs: Defence shows the markers and A tight or wide, then jams or slides. Call the finish by tackle three and align by tackle four. Reset the zone and scoreboard. Rotate which half calls the finish without changing the role language.

Coaching points: Thirteen squares the middle · Seven calls the finish · Six holds the run threat · One scans the backfield.

Good looks like: By tackle four, both threats are live, the kicker has room and the set ends as called.

Win criterion: Keep two threats live, name the caller and reach the called finish. Do not count a try from a broken call as a clean rep. Complete at least 4/5, then repeat at least 4/5 on D-2 without a coach call. TP ^S21

Staff to set: Players/rotations __ · Field/grid __ · Time or reps __ · Work:rest __ · Contact level __ · Equipment __ · Coach/referee position __ · Progression __ · Team calls __

D8 · Bench entry and exit · Team and bench

Purpose: Deliver the bench message and keep key roles covered.

Set-up: We defend a repeat set. A replacement waits with the bench leader and enters on the staff signal after the message.

How it runs: Give the four-part message: score and time; possession; next set; defensive call. Defend, field the exit and make two carries. Reset the score, the Samoa surge and the replacement's role. Modified players walk through communication.

Coaching points: Make no silent entry · Repeat all four parts · Keep one spine caller and two middle communicators · Staff set participation.

Good looks like: The replacement repeats the full message, the team keeps every key role covered and completes a clean exit.

Win criterion: Repeat four parts, cover roles, concede no penalty and complete the exit. This tests football continuity, not fitness. TP ^S21

Staff to set: Players/rotations __ · Field/grid __ · Time or reps __ · Work:rest __ · Contact level __ · Equipment __ · Coach/referee position __ · Progression __ · Team calls __

D9 · Two-minute and golden point · Team leaders

Purpose: Set the first two plans when we lead, chase or are tied.

Set-up: Use three scenarios: lead by 4 with 2:00, trail by 4 with 2:00, and tied at full-time or golden point. Vary starts.

How it runs: Call finish, field position, kick or field goal, chase, challenge and defence. Golden point stays live until a winner. Swap scenario and possession; finish unprompted.

Coaching points: With a lead, win field position and concede no cheap exit · When behind, build another possession · Protect the kicker · Know both plans.

Good looks like: Leaders call score, time, field position and first two plans; the kicker is protected and every finish has a chase.

Win criterion: Make jobs clear and avoid an early gamble. Give the kicker room, connect chase and take, and leave officials to the captain. TP ^{S14, S21}

Staff to set: Players/rotations __ · Field/grid __ · Time or reps __ · Work:rest __ · Contact level __ · Equipment __ · Coach/referee position __ · Progression __ · Team calls __

Performance psychology and leadership

We make no mental-state call from video, body language or an error. The team's performance psychologist helps deliver these player-centred routines.

Reset

After an error, penalty, six-again, try, Bunker reversal or unexpected interchange, exhale. Scan the ball, score, time, numbers and restart. Use your own cue, then do the next marker, A/B, kick-take, carry or finish job. TP ^S20–S21

Leaders

Leader	Job
Captain	Speak to the referee about the call or challenge, then end the debate.
Spine	Call the next set and its finish.
Middle	Set the markers, A/B and replacement message.
Edge	Count and insert the current hold, jam and kick calls.
Back three	Call the primary catcher, second catcher and first two carries.

Teach the skill and purpose first. Add score, noise, time and consequence in steps, never as punishment. Performance staff set the progression and modified work. Ask what the player saw, used and will keep. Check it now, on D-2 without a prompt and on Sunday. TP ^S20–S21

Match day

KPI dashboard · team targets

Priority	KPI	Target	Live box
Ball control · G1	Complete the first ten called finishes	≥8/10	__/10 · TP ^S21
Ball control · G1	Complete the match at target	≥82%	__/__ · TP ^S21
Ball control · G1	Avoid consecutive unforced losses	0	__ · TP ^S21
Middle and ruck · G2	Gain at least as many effective metres from matched starts	≥0	__ · TP ^S21
Defensive line · G2/G4	Make effective tackles	≥90%	__% · TP ^S21
Discipline · G3	Avoid early exit penalties, late ruck restarts and restart errors	0 / 0 / 0	__ / __ / __ · TP ^S21
Goal-line · G4	Stop dummy-half on the first eight rucks	8/8	__/8 · TP ^S21
Kick receive · G5	Take the kick cleanly	≥80%	__/__ · TP ^S21
Restarts · G5	Land the restart within the law	100%	__/__ · TP ^S21
Kick chain · G6	Land the kick, chase onside and connect two tackles	≥4/5	__/5 · TP ^S21
Spine · G7	Set tackle-four shape and the last-play caller	≥80%	__/__ · TP ^S21
Bench · G8	Deliver the full four-part message	100%	__/__ · TP ^S21

Coach-box sheet

Origin □ Tackle and zone □ Cause □ Set end □ Next start □ Score and number state □

Possession: Did we lose the ball or miss the finish?
Ruck: Was it the carry, contact, release, marker or A/B?
Edge: What were the prior ruck speed and count?
Kick: Was it the room, landing, pressure, chase, call or first carry?
Discipline: What were the category, tackle and next result?
Interchange: Did the role cover and message remain intact?

Half-time: Where did our sets end, and did two tackles back the finish? Which ruck freed their nine or half? Which kick or kick-take change returns most field position without a penalty? Ask units what they saw and whether their cue helped. Medical and wellbeing information goes to the appropriate staff.

Game scenarios

Scenario	Plan and leaders
Protecting a lead	Finish in the corner, avoid an early gamble and chase together. Square up, release and concede no cheap exit. The captain confirms score and time; seven calls the finish. Use `Team call · protect a lead`.
Chasing	Earn the ruck, keep two threats and seek a repeat set or start inside their 10. Apply onside pressure, keep the loose ball live and avoid a professional foul. The spine calls the two-possession route. Use `Team call · chase the game`.
Lead after Samoa momentum	Samoa scored 14 unanswered points from 50' to 69'. Finish in the corner, chase and rebuild two rucks. Keep the kick-take jobs fixed. The captain confirms score and time; seven calls the finish and the middle calls the next ruck. Use `Team call · protect lead after momentum change`. OS ^S24
Tied, final set	Set field position and give the kicker room. Know the run, kick and field-goal follow-up. The back three and blockers prepare for the return or chargedown without escort contact. The captain and kicker confirm the challenge and shot clock. Use `Team call · tied final set`.
Golden point	Set the first two plans before kick-off and chase every kick. Concede no ruck restart, protect the middle field-goal lane and keep take and exit jobs fixed. The captain alone speaks to the referee. Use `Team call · golden point`.

Captain's Challenge

Ask the nominated adviser three questions: Is there a clear factual error? Is decisive evidence likely? Does it materially affect possession or score? This is a proposal: challenge only when all three answers are yes, subject to the squad's confirmed Challenge process and the match-official briefing. Bunker evidence decides.

Evidence and learning check

We can state official scores, lists, totals and events, sourced public descriptions, repeated Australian issues and proposed team targets. We cannot yet state full set-by-set cause, effective-metre or tackle-four baselines, or the genuine attacking-kick count. Nor can we state wider individual responsibility, interchange effect, availability, load or mental state. OSPRNETP ^S1–S27

No official Samoa semi-final 17 or change from Round 3 was published at 11:50 UTC. Current injury and availability are also unknown. Appropriate staff decide both, with no change to our jobs or drills. NE ^{S8–S10, S22–S27}

Sources

S1: NRL official match centre — Australia v New Zealand
S2: NRL official match centre — Australia v Fiji
S3: NRL official match centre — Australia v Cook Islands
S4: NRL report — Bostock hat-trick, Australia 24–22 New Zealand
S5: NRL report — Australia 36–22 Fiji
S6: AAP/Newcastle Herald — Fiji review
S7: ABC live blog — Australia v Cook Islands
S8: NRL Men's Round 1 team lists
S9: NRL Men's Round 2 team lists
S10: NRL Men's Round 3 team lists
S11: NRL report — Australia 66–6 Cook Islands
S12: NRL qualification permutations
S13: IRL Tonga v Samoa match page
S14: Official RLWC2026 rules confirmation
S15: NRL 2025 Origin III elite completion/error reference
S16: NRL ruck-infringement analysis
S17: NRL kick-pressure analysis
S18: Professional rugby league microcycle study
S19: AIS load statement
S20: ESSA performance-under-pressure position statement
S21: Cluefox League Coach knowledge base, scouting notes and independent review records.
S22: NRL official match centre — Samoa v France
S23: NRL official match centre — Papua New Guinea v Samoa
S24: NRL official match centre — Tonga v Samoa
S25: NRL draw — RLWC 2026 semi-finals
S26: NRL report — Samoa 64–6 Papua New Guinea
S27: Guardian report — Tonga 20–18 Samoa at CommBank Stadium

Analyst coding sheet

Field	Coding rule
Possession chain	Start source and field zone → each carry and PTB → set finish → kick or turnover result → first two defensive tackles. Review every relevant set across the three matches.
Effective metres	Record raw and post-contact metres separately. Count field gain as effective when it improves the next-play shape and field position without an error, slow recovery or a broken set finish. Agree inclusion and exclusion examples before use.
Like-start comparison	Compare sets that begin in the same field zone and game situation. Record the zone rule, count in each group and field-position result before calling a difference.
PTB and ruck	Carry type, first contact, ball security, PTB speed class, markers, A, B and C, release or infringement, and next play.
Tackle-four shape	Kicker has room, two real threats can receive the ball, and the last-play caller is clear. Record yes or no for every completed set.
Attacking-kick chance	Include only a kick where the pre-kick line and field position offer a genuine try or repeat-set chance. Staff approve examples and counterexamples before the percentage is used.
Kick chain	Kicker room, kick type, intended and actual landing, pressure leaves onside, escort contact, catch or loose ball, chase line and next two tackles.
Kick defusal	Keep the provider's official figure. For our clip review, record call, secure take or error, escort contact, loose ball and next play. Do not combine the two definitions.
Discipline	Law category, tackle, field zone, score and numbers, captain response and next result.
Bench entry	Score and time, possession, next set and defensive call repeated before entry; record role cover after entry.
Reliability	Analyst and unit coach code the same agreed set group independently, compare disagreements, tighten the written rule, then recode before reporting a percentage.

Use the same definitions on D-5 and D-2. On D-2 run the check without a coach prompt. In the semi-final, code every included event before reading the result into it. Leave “improved” blank until the like-start comparison is complete. Any false attribution or missed cause becomes a required coding or checklist fix and an unpromoted ledger candidate.

Status line for staff: We have three wins and proven strike. Our semi-final job is control: lose fewer possessions, clean up the ruck and restarts, strengthen edge and kick-receive work, and back each called finish with two tackles. TP ^S21

Player card

Fixture: Australia v Samoa · Sunday 8 November · Allianz Stadium · 8.05 pm AEDT

Plan: Control the ball, win our yardage and the ruck, finish where we called it and chase together for the next two tackles.

Staff note: hand this out only after unit coaches insert the squad's team calls.

Unit	Three cues
All team	Complete the set we called	Chase together for two tackles	After a call, reset to the next job
Middle defence	Square first contact	Release and get markers square	A and B move together
Spine and attack	Earn the middle first	Call the finish by tackle three	By tackle four, kicker plus two threats ready
Edges	Count and call early	Protect the inside shoulder	Take the kick, then rebuild
Back three	Primary catcher calls	Second catcher supports and loose ball stays live	Name the first two carries
Kick and chase	Give the kicker room	Land the called kick	Leave onside and chase in one line

We have three wins and proven strike. Our semi-final job is control: lose fewer possessions, clean up the ruck and restarts, strengthen edge and kick-receive work, and back each called finish with two tackles.