Positions in rugby league
A rugby league team consists of 13 players: six strikers (forwards) with the numbers 8 to 13 and seven backs (backs) with the numbers 1 to 7. There are four substitutes with the numbers 14 to 17. Each player takes one specific task and each team uses the same formation, with only minor changes. In contrast to soccer with its different game systems (e.g. 4-3-3 or 3-5-2 etc.).
overview
Today, a player's position is usually indicated by the number he wears on his jersey, as the numbers are firmly tied to a position (exceptions are substitutes or a change of position during the game). This means that, except in the Super League , a player will not receive a personalized shirt number for the duration of his career.
The main task of the striker is to capture the ball and create spaces for attack. In general, they have grown taller and stronger than the players in the back line. They also take part in the standard situation called scrum . The task of the back team is to pick up the ball captured by the strikers and score points by skillfully running or kicking the ball with the ball in their hands.
In the professional sector in particular, however, there is no longer this strict division of roles, since speed is of the essence. In this way, the player takes on a certain task that is currently closest.
The following diagram shows the positions of the individual players in an arranged scrum :
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Collective designations of the positions
- First-row players (front row) : pillars and Hooker
- Backrow (loose forwards): Second row strikers and third row strikers
- Half-backs : scrum half and connector
- Three-quarter line : outer three- quarters and inner three- quarters
- Back three: outside three quarters and goalkeeper
Back line (backs)
1 goalkeeper
The goalkeeper (fullback) is behind the main line of defense. As he is the last defender, he must have good tackling skills and intercept enemy kicks. After being intercepted, he can launch an attack from far behind. Understanding tactics, attack strength, speed and a safe catching technique are among the basic requirements of a good goalkeeper.
Well-known keepers are: Darren Lockyer , Puig Aubert , Clive Churchill , Jim Sullivan and Graeme Langlands .
2 outer right three quarters and 5 outer left three quarters
The main task of the outer three quarters (right / left wing) is to complete the attack and achieve attempts . The other players create enough space so that the outside three-quarters can run directly to the goal line (try-line) after accepting the ball. Outside three quarters are usually the fastest players on the team, but they also have to be able to avoid opposing players. In a defensive game, the outside three quarters also have to master tackling, and often serve as an additional goalkeeper in opposing kicks.
Well-known outer three quarters are: Ken Irvine , Martin Offiah , Brian Bevan , Billy Boston and Tom van Vollenhoven .
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3 right inner three-quarters and 4 left inner three-quarters
The two inner three quarters (right / left center) are the team's all-rounders. You need to be able to break through the opponent's lines and deliver the ball on target. In defensive play, they must have good tackling skills. Your task is to take the ball (usually from the connector), break through the opposing lines and, after overcoming the last line of defense, pass the ball to the wings.
Well-known inner three quarters are: Mal Meninga , Harold Wagstaff , Dally Messenger , Gus Risman and Reg Gasnier .
6 connection half
The connection half (stand-off or five-eighth) is one of the most important players on the pitch. During the game he is the linchpin and makes most of the tactical decisions. An ideal connection half should be quick, make quick decisions and be able to outsmart your opponents, lead the back line to attack or defend and be able to kick and pass on both sides. Strong defensive skills are also crucial in this position.
Well-known connectors are: Darren Lockyer , Wally Lewis , Garry Schofield , Bob Fulton , Iestyn Harris and Laurie Daley .
7 scrum half
The scrum half or halfback forms an important link between the front and back teams and is one of the team's playmakers. A scrum half is usually relatively small, extremely responsive and safe on the ball. He puts the ball in the scrum and then picks it up again. He also needs a good kick and passing game as well as tactical understanding. He is often the player who picks up the ball for his team after a tackle and continues to pass.
Well-known scrum half-players are: Allan Langer , Stacey Jones , Andy Gregory , Peter Sterling and Andrew Johns .
Striker (forwards)
In contrast to rugby union , the rugby league strikers' scrum technique is not well developed because there is no open scrum here and arranged scrum is not contested. That is why the two wingers (English flankers ) are completely eliminated in the League . In addition, the front row strikers are also more athletic than in the Union. Furthermore, there are no specialists for throw-ins as there are no alleys .
Front Row
9 hookers
The hooker stands in the middle of the first row in the crowd and uses his feet there to "hook" the ball. Since a hooker is usually the shortest player in the front team, but also the one with the best technical skills, he takes on the tasks of a playmaker, unlike the other strikers. Like the scrum half, he is often the player who picks up the ball for his team after a tackle and continues to pass. For this reason, many teams also use trained scrum half-players on the position
Well-known hackers are: Noel Kelly , Max Krilich , Keiron Cunningham , Steve Walters and Terry Newton .
8 and 10 pillars
The props stand next to the hooker on both sides of the first row in a crowd. Your task is to run straight into the opponent's lines of defense and break through them in order to gain space. Since they are the heaviest players on a team, they usually have to be tackled by several opposing players at the same time, which in turn creates more space.
Well-known pillars are: Arthur Beetson , Ruben Wiki , Cliff Watson , Glenn Lazarus and Shane Webcke .
Back Row
11 and 12 second-row strikers
Second-row players (Second rows) are usually the biggest players on the team. In the crush, the second-row strikers stand behind the two pillars. They are very active and mobile as they tackle and walk a lot.
Well-known second-row strikers are: Gorden Tallis , Hugh McGahan , Denis Betts , Harry Bath and Norm Provan .
13 third row strikers
The third row striker (loose forward or lock) combines the physical strength of a striker and the technical and creative skills of a player from the back line. Individuals are versatile enough to play as a connector as well, as their roles are very similar.
Well-known third row strikers include: Bradley Clyde , Andrew Farrell , Ellery Hanley , Wally Prigg , Johnny Raper and Ray Price .