NRL ad 2021: ‘Defy Impossible’ video showcases best moments from season 2020

After last season’s polarising $1 million ‘Simply the Best’ campaign, the NRL has focused on the “impossible” moments that make rugby league great.

From Josh Papalii’s ankle tap on Jamal Fogarty to a flying Jake Averillo scoring a try, the NRL has released its cut-priced ad campaign “Defy Impossible” ahead of Thursday’s blockbuster season opener.

The code on Monday released four 30 second clips showcasing the moments that defied the impossible in the NRL during the 2020 season.

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Papalii’s incredible ankle tap is featured alongside other “impossible” moments, including Cowboys captain Michael Morgan’s 40-metre field goal during their Round 1 clash as well as Dragons centre Zac Lomax’s two-metre leap in Round 10 to set up Matt Dufty for a try.

Josh Papalii with his try-saving ankle tap on Jamal Fogarty.

The Courier-Mail understands the four adverts – to be aired nationally – was a quarter of the price of the league’s “Simply the Best” campaign in 2020, which reportedly cost the NRL close to $1 million.

NRL chief executive Andrew Abdo said this year’s marketing campaign was a chance to reflect on the code’s ability to play on through a COVID-affected world last year.

“Our campaign is “Defy Impossible”,” Abdo said.

“Last year the game defied impossible by returning to the field on May 28 and completing 180 games safely.

“This year we are celebrating our players, the best athletes in the world, who defy impossible every week and the tribalism of our fans and what those moments of brilliance mean to them.

“Rugby league’s most entertaining moments have lived where the impossible becomes possible.

Jake Averillo scoring an “impossible” try during the 2020 season. Photo: Gregg Porteous � NRL Photos

Zac Lomax leaps above the rest during a Round 10 clash with the Bulldogs. Photo: Grant Trouville � NRL Photos

“This campaign focuses on the speed, intensity and agility of our players and what those magical moments mean to our fans.

“A big forward like Josh Papalii reached a top speed of 31.6km to run down Jamal Fogarty or Jake Averillo scoring a try with 94 per cent of his body beyond the sideline.”

The NRL has also put together individual ads for each of the 16 clubs to highlight the moments from their own players in 2020.

“This gives every fan of every club the opportunity to celebrate one moment where their clubs made the impossible, possible,” Abdo said.