Rugby league positions

A rugby league team consists of thirteen players plus four substitutes.

Backs

Fullback

This position calls for all-round ability. The fullback is the last-ditch line of defence, standing behind the main line of defence. He must be able to tackle any player who breaks the first line of defence, catch the majority of kicks made by the attacking side, ensuring he retains possession, and also, as he typically positions himself behind the first line of defence, he has a view of the entire line and is expected to give orders to the other defending players, alerting them to fill possible holes and weaknesses in the line. His role in attack is usually as a support player to take an offload and keep the ball alive or to provide an overlap or a different angle of attack in the centre of the field.

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Notable fullbacks include: Anthony Minichello, Kris Radlinski, Matt Bowen, Rhys Wesser and Billy Slater

Related Topics:
Anthony Minichello - Kris Radlinski - Matt Bowen - Rhys Wesser - Billy Slater

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See also: Fullback

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Wing

Also known as wingers (SH), of which there are two, numbered 2 and 5; should be the fastest players on the side, with the speed to finish a movement or open the game up along the right or left side of the field.

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Wings need to be expert at taking bad passes as they often receive passes from team-mates under pressure. They also need to spread across the back to provide defence. In the last decade or so, also often called upon for the initial few hit-ups after a kick.

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Notable wings include: Brian Carney, Amos Roberts, Andrew Ettingshausen, Luke Lewis, Matt King, Luke Rooney and Matt Sing

Related Topics:
Brian Carney - Amos Roberts - Andrew Ettingshausen - Luke Lewis - Matt King - Luke Rooney - Matt Sing

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See also: Winger (sport)

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Centre

There are two, numbered 3 and 4; the centres run along the middle just inside the wings, and work with the wings and stand-off in driving the ball forwards. They have to be dependable, fast and be able to hit top speed quickly. Their ability to handle and pass must be above average and they must be able to tackle. The job of the centre is to upset the opposition and make a breach for the winger to score.

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Notable centres include: Keith Senior, Matt Cooper, Eric Grothe, Jamie Lyon, Steve Rogers, Mal Meninga, Mark Gasnier and Paul Sykes

Related Topics:
Keith Senior - Matt Cooper - Eric Grothe - Jamie Lyon - Steve Rogers - Mal Meninga - Mark Gasnier - Paul Sykes

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Stand-off

Also known as a five-eighth (SH) and numbered 6, needs to be able to pass left and right accurately. He needs to be a good and accurate play kicker, needs to have good communication with the scrum-half and the centre-three-quarters, needs to be able to throw long cut-out balls and have the vision to create something with the outside men. He needs to be quick on his feet and to be strong when running the ball like a back rower. A stand-off does not have to be small; it is actually better to have a bit of size for two main reasons: 1. To intimidate the opposition. 2. To run the ball.

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Notable stand-offs include: Wally Lewis, Braith Anasta, Preston Campbell, Danny McGuire, Darren Lockyer, Trent Barrett, Jason Smith and Brad Fittler

Related Topics:
Wally Lewis - Braith Anasta - Preston Campbell - Danny McGuire - Darren Lockyer - Trent Barrett - Jason Smith - Brad Fittler

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Scrum-half

Also known as a half-back (SH), numbered 7; like the stand-off, is usually one of the smaller players on the field. The scrum-half must be quick of mind, nippy and be able to pass well. He must co-ordinate with the stand-off so the ball moves along the line to the wing three-quarters. The scrum-half is the player who feeds the scrum and runs around to collect it via the hooker. He is usually first receiver at a 'play the ball'.

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Notable scrum-half include: Sean Long, Brett Finch, Stacey Jones, Brett Kimmorley, Craig Gower, Tim Smith, Andrew Johns, Peter Sterling, and Allan Langer.[[Johnathan Thurston

Related Topics:
Sean Long - Brett Finch - Stacey Jones - Brett Kimmorley - Craig Gower - Tim Smith - Andrew Johns - Peter Sterling - Allan Langer

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