subject: Responsibilities Of Every Player In A Rugby League [print this page] In rugby league football, a team is consisted of thirteen players on the field, with four substitute player on the bench. Players are divided into two general categories, which are the forwards and the backs.
Normally chosen for their sheer size and strength, forward players are expected to run with the ball on hand and attack, and to execute tackles. Forwards are often obliged to do a lot of hard work such as making openings for the backs and gaining meters in the field. On the other hand, the backs are usually smaller and nimbler, though a big player who can sprint can be a definite advantage in the backs. Their roles require agility and ball-handling skills to take advantage of the field position gained by the forwards.
There is a standard numbering positions in the league rugby. Normally, the starting side wears their designated number for their positions, only changing if the cases are substitutions and position shifts during the game. In some competitions, such as the Super League, players are issued with their own number, which they will be using for all seasons, no matter what positions they are designated into.
Internationally, the numbers and positions are designated as on backs: 1-fullback, 2-right wing three-quarter, 3 right center three-quarter, 4-left center three-quarter, 5-left wing three-quarter, 6-stand-off half or five-eighth, 7-scrum half or halfback; on forwards, 8-prop, 9-hooker, 10-prop, 11-second row, 12-second row, 13-lock forward. In any cases, like in the youth rugby league, the numbers and their corresponding positions may vary.
The positions in rugby league is hard to be played in an instant, taking years of practice and experience, that having the same position from the youth rugby league to the professional leagues is definitely and advantage. Switching from one position to another demands both physical and mental workout, which can take additional years to adopt the new desired position.
As for the youth rugby league sports clinics, the junior players are opted to choose their own positions and have them trained rigorously through regular training regime specialized for the position, supplementary diet for body build up and mental exercises for mental preparedness.
