A rugby league team consists of thirteen players plus four substitutes.
Many of the positions have similar names and requirements to Rugby union positions but there are no 'flankers' in rugby league.
Players on field are divided into "forwards" and "backs".
Forwards are generally chosen for their size and strength, although they are also expected to run with the ball and attack. They are required to so a lot of hard work - making openings for the backs. Most great forwards have been expert in the art of distributing the ball and not being greedy with the ball.
Backs are usually much smaller and faster but a big man who can run can be of great advantage in the backs. Often shorter players lacking in speed, become excellent hookers.
Early in the tackle count the ball is commonly given to forwards to improve field position while not losing possession. After the play the ball, the dummy-half (often the hooker) may choose to run with the ball or pass it to another forward who will try to break the first tackle and gain as many metres as possible. Later in the tackle count the ball typically comes to the backs who being faster than forwards are able to make more metres and are more likely to score, however, passing movements among the backs are more risky than foward play which is why this is not normally attempted on the first tackle.
Differences in terminology between North and South
Wing, centre, five eighth, half back and lock are terms used in Australia and other Southern Hemisphere countries.
The same positions are called wing three quarters, centre three quarters, standoff, scrumhalf and loose forward in England and other Home Nations.
Backs
1 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.
Notable fullbacks include: Anthony Minichello , Kris Radlinski ,
2 & 5 Wingers, or wing three-quarters
These 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.
Wingers 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.
Notable wingers include: Brian Carney , Luke Rooney ,
3 & 4 Centres, or centre three-quarters
Attacking players, the centres run along the middle just inside the wingers, and work with the wingers and stand-off half 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.
Notable centres include: Keith Senior , Jamie Lyon , Steve Rogers
6 Five-eighth or Stand-off
A five-eighth needs to be able to pass left and right accurately. He needs to be a good an accurate play kicker, needs to have good communication with the half-back 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 Five-Eighth doesn't have to be small. It's actually better for a Five-Eighth to have a bit of size for 2 main reasons: 1. To scare the oppostion. 2. To run the ball.
Notable Five-Eighths include: Andrew Deeb , Braith Anasta , Danny McGuire , Darren Lockyer
7 Half-back, or scrum-half
Like the stand-off the half back is usually one of the smaller players on the field. The half-back 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 winger. The half back 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'.
Notable half-backs include: Sean Long , Brett Kimmorley , Andrew Johns
Forwards
9 Hooker
A hooker packs in the middle of the scrum. The hooker's primary role was formerly to strike for the ball with his legs in the scrum and to throw the ball into line-outs. As the code abolished the line-out, and then began to allow uncontested scrummaging, the position evolved, and requires in the modern game playmaking skill similar to that of the half-backs, while also maintaining weight and power for the now-rare occasions when a team attempts to win possession against the feed at a scrum and for less finesse-based runs into the teeth of opposing tacklers. He is also required to be able to tackle strongly in defence.
Notable Hookers: Anthony Coorey , Danny Buderus
8 & 10 Prop-forwards
Packs in the front of the scrum on either side of the hooker. The two props are usually the two biggest, strongest, heaviest players in the side. When scrums were competitive their strength was key to winning possession. In the modern game their strength is more useful in the tackle or as a ball carrier. However, it is still possible for an alert tight-head prop to help his side win a scrum against the feed by striking for the ball in conjunction with a drive from the rest of the pack. Formerly, striking for the ball was the responsibility of the hooker.
Notable props include: Shane Webcke , Stuart Fielden
11 & 12 Second-row forwards
Pack in the second row of the scrum. They are mobile, active players who make a lot of runs and do a lot of tackling, and often set the pace of the game.
Notable second rows include: Andy Farrell, Djamel Fakir , Nathan Hindmarsh
13 Lock, or loose forward
Packs the back of the scrum. One of the first players away after the scrum, will provide support for the scrum-half and the backs. They are often good leaders.
Notable loose forwards include: Paul Sculthorpe , Sonny Bill Williams
See also
