How chemistry works
A side that knows each other plays better. Chemistry rewards you for drafting players with real connections, the way FIFA Ultimate Team does. It only ever helps: low chemistry never takes anything off your side.
Every starter earns 0 to 3 chemistry
Each player in your starting 13 gets up to three dots, from his links to the other 12. That's up to 39 chemistry for the side.
1: a few links
2: well linked
3: fully at home
What links two players
| Link | Strength | Example |
|---|---|---|
| Played together, at any club in any season | Strongest | Johnathan Thurston (Cowboys) and Sonny Bill Williams (Roosters): they played together at the Bulldogs. |
| Same club, different years | Good | Two Broncos from different eras. |
| Same State of Origin side, any era | Good | Kalyn Ponga and Corey Parker (Queensland). |
| Same country in Tests, any era | Good | Kalyn Ponga and Jesse Bromwich (Kiwis), or two Kangaroos. |
| Same era (within 5 years) | Small | A 2005 and a 2008 player. |
A pair can have more than one: two Queenslanders who played together at the Broncos get the teammates link and the Origin link. Origin and country together (two Queensland Kangaroos) count a bit more than either, not double.
Like nations in FIFA, a group from one state or country is enough on its own: 3 Queenslanders earn a dot each, 5 earn two, 8 earn all three.
Play them in position
Like FIFA, a player only earns full chemistry in his own position:
- His own spot (or the other half): up to 3 dots.
- A spot near his own (a centre on the wing, a lock in the second row): one dot less, up to 2.
- Well out of position (a halfback at prop): no chemistry.
- On the bench: no chemistry. Only your starting XIII counts.
Partnerships count double
Some combinations matter most on the field, so their links count twice:
- the halves (five-eighth and halfback)
- hooker and halfback
- each centre and his winger (left edge and right edge)
What it does in games
Every chemistry point adds a little to your side's attack and defence in every game: +0.1 a point, up to +3.9 with all 39. A typical draft lands in the 30s, and a side that links up gets all 39. The real clubs you play have trained together all year, so they start a few points sharper. Chemistry is how your side catches up.
Tips
- Each player you can pick shows what he'd do to your chemistry (+3 Chem) and who he links with. Tap it for the full list.
- Watch the Chem number in your team rating while you draft: it updates with every pick.
- Look at the dots next to each starter. A player on 0 might be better on the bench, or swapped for someone who links up.
- Moving players between spots changes chemistry too: get your partnerships right (halves, hooker, edges).
- Re-spins are worth more when a club or era already fills your side.