I assume this means "tackles". See Wiki article below:

An attacking team has a set of six 'chances' to score, often referred to as 'six tackles'. The referee keeps track of how many tackles have been performed in each set of six. Some referees choose to shout the number of tackles (to avoid any players' confusion as to what point in the tackle count it is); however, this is not a requirement. *When a side has used five tackles, the referee signals "fifth tackle" by raising an arm above his head with fingers spread, indicating that five of the tackles in the set have taken place and the next tackle will be the last.*

If a sixth tackle is made, a change-over takes place, where the attacking team hands the ball to the defending team at the point on the field where the tackle was made. The defending team, having gained possession then plays the ball and starts its assault on the opposition's end of the field. This, however is uncommon, and sixth tackles are usually avoided by the attacking team who will more likely opt to kick the ball onwards after the fifth tackle in either a last-ditch attempt to score, or to force the opposition to start their next set of six tackles as far back in their half of the field as possible.

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Playing_rugby_league

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Note added at 8 mins (2009-11-19 17:42:19 GMT)
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On reviewing the situation, I believe you may actually have been right with "play-the-balls":

In 1966, the International Board introduced a rule that a team in possession was allowed three *play-the-balls* and on the fourth *tackle* a scrum was to be formed. This was increased to six tackles in 1972 and in 1983 the scrum was replaced by a handover.[18]

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Rugby_league

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Note added at 10 mins (2009-11-19 17:44:38 GMT)
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Comparable to the "downs" (1st down and ten, etc.) in American Football.

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Note added at 1 hr (2009-11-19 19:14:34 GMT)
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A side is allowed *five tackles* before they must kick the ball or hand it over.

http://www.sheknowstherules.com/index.php/RugbyLeague/index....

After the sixth tackle the ball reverts to the opposing team, so teams in possession normally kick the ball to the other team after *five tackles* unless in scoring range.

http://www.britannica.com/EBchecked/topic/512410/rugby/29659...

After *five tackles* the attacking team must kick the ball...

http://www.talkrugbyleague.co.uk/guides/rules_of_rugby_leagu...