Rugby league

Rugby league is one of the two codes of rugby, the other being rugby union.

Players

Players on field are divided into forwards and backs. Each position has a designated number, 1 through to 13. Numbers 14 and higher are given to players on the bench, who only come on to the field to replace a starting player who is either injured or tired.

Related Topics:
Forwards - Backs

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Backs

The backs are generally smaller and more athletic. Backs are likely the most creative and evasive players on the field, preferring fine skills, tactics and/or set plays to break the defensive line in favour of brute force.

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• The title of full-back comes from the fullbacks defensive position where the player drops out of the defence line to cover the back half of the field.
• The wings or wing three quarters may be the fastest players in a team and are responsible the left and right most portions of the field.
• The centres or centre three-quarters are positioned one man in from the wings and together complete what is known as the three-quarter line.
• The half-back or scrum-half in recent times have taken on a leadership role which has lead them to be considered the player that gives a team direction in attack. The term half-back comes from the position of the player relative to the team line and the scrum.
• The stand off or 5-8th is usual seen as another centre or half back and could be considered an 'all rounder' they do not have any set duties.

The half-back position mentioned above is named after the role or location of the player with respect to the scrum during 'scrum play' or scrummage. To understand the half back or any other players role in the scrum, see rugby league positions.

Related Topics:
Scrum - Rugby league positions

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Forwards

The forwards two responsibilities can be broken into 'normal play' and 'scrum play'. For information on a forwards role in the scrum see rugby league scrummage. Forward positions are traditionally named after the players position in the scrum yet are equal with respect to 'normal play' with the exception of the hooker. Forward positions are traditionally broken into:

Related Topics:
Rugby league scrummage - Scrum

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• front row forwards (two prop forwards and a hooker).
• Props are normally the largest players on field who's size is generally over 100 kilograms or 15 stones
• the 'hooker' is most likely to play the role of dummy-half
• second row forwards, of which there are two
• the lock or loose forward is the only forward in the 3rd and last row of the scrum.

For further information on a player role in the scrum see rugby league positions.

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