You win, you get two points - that's how the NRL ladder works.
Except, sometimes you don't have to play at all.
Thanks to the introduction of the Dolphins in 2023, the NRL has reintroduced the weekly bye - and with it, two competition points handed out to whichever team sits out that round.
The Sporting News breaks down the main reasons behind the rule.
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Why do teams get two points for a bye?
History
The practice of handing out points for a bye isn't just modern convenience - it's rooted in rugby league's earliest days.
When the game was first played in northern England, team numbers were inconsistent and schedules weren't always balanced.
Some sides ended up playing fewer games than others and to avoid punishing them, competition points were awarded for the bye weeks.
This logic carried over when rugby league first launched in Australia in 1908 and has been there ever since.
Odd-number of teams
In a 17-team league, one team must sit out each round.
That means teams will play 24 games in a 27-round season, each receiving three byes along the way.
Awarding points for those byes ensures no team is disadvantaged for simply being rostered off.
In theory, it's less about 'rewarding' a week off and more about maintaining balance.
Do bye points affect the ladder?
Yes, when teams have played a different number of games, early-season ladder positions can be skewed.
This issue evens itself out by the end of the season - once every team has had the same number of byes - but until then, it can cause confusion.
Will the NRL ever scrap bye points?
There is no official word from the NRL on removing the system.
With the Perth Bears entering the competition in 2027, this will eliminate the need for weekly byes.
But with growing pressure for consistency and clarity around ladder standings, don't be surprised if this century-old quirk is reviewed in the next broadcast rights deal.