Meant to bring this up a few weeks ago but after seeing it elsewhere, I thought I may as we'll bring it up.

Don't know if anyone saw, but after the England v New Zealand RU game the other week, Will Greenwood discussed Kyle Eastmond and how he apparently contrasts from the traditional Rugby League player in terms of how he carries the ball in both hands.

Having played RU, how are players being told to carry the ball in RL? Does he have a point?

I've done a fair bit of coaching RU players to play league, and the differences I find side, bring the ball into his chest with one hand and fend with the other or to free an arm to run faster in open space, or bring the ball into his chest with both hands, which puts him in a position to land on his elbows and get a quick PTB. He can also tip the ball down and kick it.

The RU players tend to hold the ball down by his hip, I think for a better position to lay the ball back in a ruck (or maul, I can never remember which is which) or hold up if they turn and stand in a ruck or maul. That's why they always seem to only be able to spin pass even when passing three yards, and why they drift outside before passing.

Here you go rlcoaching.co.uk/core-skills-2/ Thumb position is poor from pic 5 onwards, but it's too big a ball for the players.

Here you go rlcoaching.co.uk/core-skills-2/ Thumb position is poor from pic 5 onwards, but it's too big a ball for the players.

I dont think he's having a dig, its just more important to try and break the line in league and get over the advantage line by making fast, hard runs.

It's much easier to run faster with the ball in one hand than in both, hence the difference in style.

The classiest players run effortlessly and quick with the ball in two hands. Defenders seem to be repelled rather than drawn in by this style. Watch Wally Lewis (recordings, obviously).

The only major difference I can see is that Union players will grip the ball more closely when going into a tackle and go to ground quickly to cover it as any defender can take it off them.