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OverviewPlayers on field are divided into two general categories: "forwards" and "backs".
Backs are usually much smaller and faster, but a big man who can run can be of great advantage in the backs. Their roles require speed and ball-playing skills (rather than brute strength) to take advantage of the field position gained by the hard-working forwards. 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 forward play, which is why this is not normally preferred early in the tackle-count. NumberingThe numbering of positions is standardised. The starting side will invariably wear the numbers corresponding to their positions, except in the case of substitutions and position shifts during the game.
In addition to the thirteen on-field players, there are four replacement players. Usually, they will be numbered 14, 15, 16 and 17, although other numbers may be used. Each player has their own number for the whole game, regardless of which position they play in. That is, if player number 14 replaces the fullback (for example), they will wear the number 14 for the whole game. They do not change shirts to display the number 1. The number a player wears will be for the position assigned to him before the match starts. Prior to 1989 all Australian teams with the exception of the international team would use a unique numbering system confined only to Australia. The numbers for the backs were exactly the same as they are now but the numbers were different in the forward pack. Under this old numbering system the lock/loose forward would be number 8, the second rowers were 9 and 10, the prop forwards were 11 and 13 and the hooker was 12. Other terminologyAs well as their titles, the players' positions may be referred to by a range of other terms. These are outlined below.
Differences in terminology between Northern Hemisphere and Southern HemisphereFive eighth, half back and lock are terms used in the Southern Hemisphere countries (including Australia and New Zealand. The same positions are known as standoff, scrumhalf and loose forward in the Northern Hemisphere (including England). The terms wing three quarters and centre three quarters are sometimes used instead of winger and centre. (Any positions with differing titles have been indicated as: "Northern hemisphere name"/"Southern hemisphere name".) BacksGenerally, the backs are comparatively smaller and faster men. Backs are often the most creative and evasive players on the field, preferring fine kicking, passing or manoeuvring skills, tactics and/or set plays to break the defensive line in favour of brute force. FullbackNumbered 1, This position calls for all-round ball-playing ability. The fullback is the last-ditch line of defence, standing behind the main line of defence. They must be able to catch and tackle any player who breaks the first line of defence and catch the majority of kicks made by the attacking side, ensuring possession is retained. As they are typically positioned behind the first line of defence and have a view of the entire line, Good fullbacks will give orders to the other defending players, alerting them to fill possible holes and weaknesses in the line. Their 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: Darren Lockyer, Clive Churchill, Puig Aubert, Anthony Minichiello, Jim Sullivan, Thomas Nolan, Tim Brasher, Garry Jack, Gary Belcher, Brett Mullins, Dale Shearer, Graeme Langlands, Jason Robinson and Kris Radlinski. See also: Fullback WingAlso known as wingers. There are two wingers in a rugby league side, numbered 2 and 5, positioned on each side of the field. They generally should be the fastest players in the side, with the speed to finish a movement or open the game up along the right or left side of the field. Wings need to be experts at taking bad passes as they often receive long passes from team-mates under pressure. They also need to spread across the back to provide defence. In the last decade or so, they have been called upon for the initial few hit-ups after a kick. They must also drop back, usually at the end of the tackle-count, to assist the fullback in receiving kicks. Notable wings include: Wendell Sailor, Timana Tahu, Lote Tuquri, Brian Bevan, Martin Offiah, Clive Sullivan, Brian Carney, Hazem El Masri, Brett Dallas, Ken Irvine, Willie Carne, Billy Boston, Eric Grothe, Matt King and Michael Hancock. See also: Winger (sport) CentreThere are two, numbered 3 and 4 and they're sometimes referred to as the three quarters. 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 well. The job of the centre is to upset the opposition and make a breach for the winger to score. Traditionally centres as shown in the diagram played inside and outside, which still happens in rugby union. However the modern trend in Rugby League for the last 20 years has been for centres to play left and right side, partnered with their teammates on the wings. Notable centres include: Mal Meninga, Dally Messenger, Reg Gasnier, Steve Renouf, Sid Deane, Steve Rogers, Dave Brown, Andrew Ettingshausen, Harold Wagstaff, Nigel Vagana, Michael Cronin, Martin Gleeson, Ryan Girdler, Jacques Merquey, Paul Whatuira, Justin Hodges, Mark Gasnier, Keith Senior, Gene Miles and Paul McGregor. Stand-offNumbered 6, the Stand-off or Five-Eighth as well as the scrum-half/halfback (see below) make up the play-directing duo of "the halves". These players are usually responsible for directing the ball to the rest of the team in attack and thus should be able to pass left and right-handed accurately. The five/eighth often needs to be able to lead the team, and guide the run of play. A good 5/8th is usually a good and accurate play kicker, has good communication with the halfback and the centre-three-quarters, is able to throw long cut-out passes and have the vision to create something in attack with the outside men. This player needs to be quick on his feet and to be strong when running the ball like a back rower. They must also be effective in making tackles as their position towards the middle of the field requires a heavy defensive workload. Notable five-eighths and stand-offs include: Wally Lewis, Bob Fulton, Brad Fittler, Laurie Daley, Brett Kenny, Terry Lamb, Darren Lockyer, Ben Ikin, Scott Hill, Garry Schofield, Trent Barrett, Scott Prince, Benji Marshall, Greg Florimo, Matthew Johns and Paul Deacon. Scrum-halfNumbered 7, the halfback or scrum-half makes up the second portion of "the halves" duo. He is often one of the smaller players on the field. The halfback must be quick of mind, nippy and be able to pass well. They must co-ordinate with the stand-off so the ball moves along the line to the wing three-quarters. The halfback is the player who feeds the scrum and runs around to collect it via the hooker. He is usually first receiver from a 'play the ball' and has well-developed kicking skills. Over the years, the role of the halfback/scrum-half has become crucial in the organisation of play. Because of their ability to control and create play, many halfbacks are also captains of their side. The halfback/scrumhalf is the man with all the options and a good halfback/scrumhalf is one who utilizes his options effectively. Notable halfbacks include: Andrew Johns, Allan Langer, Stacey Jones, Peter Sterling, Tommy Raudonikis, Tommy Bishop, Jason Taylor, Andy Gregory, Kevin Hastings, Johnathan Thurston, Iestyn Harris, Ricky Stuart and Sean Long ForwardsHookerThe hooker, numbered 9, packs in the middle of the scrum. Traditionally, when the rules for rugby league resembled more closely those of rugby union, the hooker's primary role was 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 less contested scrummaging, the hooker's position, like most forwards', has become far less meaningful outside of general play. The hooker is still expected to maintain weight and power for the now-rare occasions when a team attempts to win possession against the feed at a scrum. Like most forwards, the hooker is a work-horse in defence but is also expected to use his weight and speed for less finesse-based runs into the teeth of opposing tacklers. However the hooker is unlike other forwards because he is the only forward to take on a specialist role outside of scrum play; known as dummy half. The playmaking duties of the hooker has encouraged some clubs to play a half back in the role. The problem with this is that the hooker stands in the middle of the field with the forwards and has some tough defensive duties to perform. This can leave converted half backs very tired. Notable hookers include: Benny Elias, Danny Buderus, Max Krilich, Cameron Smith, Steve Walters, Luke Priddis, Royce Simmons, George Piggins and Kerrod Walters.
Prop forwardsThere are two props in rugby league, numbered 8 and 10, which pack in to 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 in 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 primarily the responsibility of the hooker. Props run upright with their head up, trying to run into space, but often directly into tacklers, trying to break through with shear force or keep an arm free for a strong fend, and look for support to offload the ball from the tackle. They get noticed probably most when the team are in possession coming away from their own territory. They are expected to make “the hard yards”; going forward whilst being gang-tackled by 2, 3 or even 4 of the opposition. Tactically they may either go down quickly when tackled and look for a quick play the ball, or when in an attacking position stand up in the tackle and offload the ball to a supporting player to switch the point of attack or create a gap to run through. Few prop forwards play the full game time of 80 minutes. They are regularly substituted to keep them fresh and powerful. The 4 substitutes on the bench invariably have 3 or even 4 forward replacements to keep momentum high. Notable props include: Arthur Beetson, Glenn Lazarus, Cliff Watson, Ruben Wiki, Shane Webcke, Jason Stevens, Stuart Fielden, Paul Harragon, Martin Bella, Paul Rauhihi, Luke Bailey, Jason Ryles, Petero Civoniceva, Jason Cayless, Steve Price, Nathan Cayless, Rex Mossop, Kevin Ryan, Billy Wilson, Steve Roach, Adrian Morley, and Paul Anderson Second-row forwardsSecond row forwards are numbered 11 and 12, and make up 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 play a large role in setting the pace of the game. There are many different styles of play amongst second rowers, and selection of certain players indicates the sort of game the coach wants to play, and he can change game strategy during the game by substitutions of players with different styles. A fast, attacking game is characterised by the selection of quick, elusive second rowers who can run out wide alongside the centres. Indeed, some second rowers are converted centres. Alternatively there are the powerful, industrious second rowers who are typically the workhorses of the team. Operating just off the middle of the line, often at second or third receiver, they are involved in seemingly everything – most tackles, taking the ball up, or supporting any break. Sometimes they are even asked to go up the middle and play prop. Notable second row forwards include: Gorden Tallis, Sonny Bill Williams, Willie Mason, Adrian Morley, Harry Bath, Nathan Hindmarsh, Norm Provan, Luke O'Donnell, Steve Menzies, Trevor Gillmeister, Noel Cleal, Jon Wilkin, Brad Thorn, Gary Larson, David Furner, Paul Sironen, Jamie Peacock and David Solomona. Loose ForwardNumbered 13, the "loose" or "lock" forward is the final 'row' of players in the scrum, he "locks" the two second-rowers in place (hence the name 'lock'). It is common for the five-eight/stand-off to run straight at the defensive line directly from a scrum to set up the position for the forwards to re-group, and set up the next play. The loose/lock forward’s role is therefore to quickly move away from the back of the scrum, and make the first tackle. In an attacking scrum they will sometimes pick the ball up themself and run, taking pressure from the halfback/scrum half. A loose/lock forward has the widest scope of roles and responsibilities of any player in the forward pack. As well as co-ordinating the defensive effort in the forwards, in attack they will need to be a creative player with the vision and skill to set up play from first receiver from the play the ball, and provide another option from the half backs. Very often the game plan against a particular team can be indicated by the selection of the player for the loose/lock forward position. They can often make good leaders. Notable loose forwards include: Bradley Clyde, Johnny Raper, Andrew Farrell, Ray Price, Luke O'Donnell, Alan Tongue, Wally Prigg, Darren Smith, Paul Sculthorpe, Ben Kennedy, Ellery Hanley, Luke Ricketson, Tonie Carroll, Billy Moore, Jim Dymock, Jason Smith and Tawera Nikau. See also
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