Finding Your Perfect Position in Rugby League: A Guide for New Players
Rugby league is a dynamic and fast-paced sport where every position plays a crucial role. Whether you’re tackling hard in the middle of the field, organizing plays, or finishing with flair, there’s a spot for every type of player. For newcomers, choosing the right position depends on your physical attributes, skills, and temperament.
This guide explains the different positions in rugby league and how to find the role that suits you best.
Understanding the Basics of Rugby League Positions
A rugby league team consists of 13 players split into two key groups: forwards and backs.
Forwards:
Focus on winning possession, tackling, and driving the ball forward.
Ideal for strong, durable players who thrive in physical contests.
Backs:
Focus on creating and finishing attacking plays.
Best suited for agile and fast players with good decision-making skills.
Additionally, the team has specialized positions like the hooker and halfbacks, who play pivotal roles in organizing plays and maintaining structure.
1. Forwards: The Physical Workhorses
Props (Numbers 8 and 10)
Role: Provide power in the middle of the field, take hard carries, and tackle frequently.
Physical Attributes:
Strong and durable with excellent upper body strength.
Ability to absorb and deliver heavy impacts.
Temperament:
Determined, tough, and willing to do the dirty work.
Hooker (Number 9)
Role: Distributes the ball from the play-the-ball, organizes the forwards, and often acts as an extra playmaker.
Physical Attributes:
Agile with quick reflexes and a high work rate.
Strong core strength to handle repeated tackles.
Temperament:
Vocal and strategic, with sharp decision-making skills under pressure.
Second Row (Numbers 11 and 12)
Role: Combine physicality and athleticism, supporting the props in defense and running powerful lines in attack.
Physical Attributes:
Tall and athletic with good upper body strength.
Stamina to maintain a high work rate throughout the game.
Temperament:
Hardworking, versatile, and reliable.
Lock (Number 13)
Role: Acts as a link between the forwards and backs, often involved in both attacking and defensive plays.
Physical Attributes:
Agile and strong with good ball-handling skills.
High stamina and fitness levels to cover a lot of ground.
Temperament:
Composed, adaptable, and strategic.
2. Backs: The Creators and Finishers
Halfback and Five-Eighth (Numbers 7 and 6)
Role: Direct the team’s attack, organize plays, and kick strategically.
Physical Attributes:
Agile with sharp footwork and excellent passing ability.
Strong kicking game and good vision.
Temperament:
Confident, calm under pressure, and highly tactical.
Centres (Numbers 3 and 4)
Role: Bridge between the forwards and wings, creating space and opportunities for the wingers.
Physical Attributes:
Strong runners with good defensive skills.
Fast and agile with the ability to change direction quickly.
Temperament:
Creative and instinctive, with an eye for attacking gaps.
Wingers (Numbers 2 and 5)
Role: Finish attacking plays and provide speed on the edges.
Physical Attributes:
Fastest players on the team with great acceleration.
Good leaping ability for catching high kicks.
Temperament:
Opportunistic and confident, thriving in high-pressure situations.
Fullback (Number 1)
Role: Acts as the last line of defense and a key counter-attacker.
Physical Attributes:
Agile and fast with excellent positional awareness.
Strong under high balls and good in one-on-one situations.
Temperament:
Calm and composed, with strong communication skills.
3. Choosing Based on Your Physical Attributes and Personality
If you’re new to rugby league, here are some questions to help determine your position:
Do You Like Physical Contact?
Yes: Props, Second Row, Lock, Hooker.
No: Halfback, Five-Eighth, Winger.
Are You Fast?
Yes: Winger, Fullback, Centre.
No: Props, Second Row, Hooker.
Do You Enjoy Tactical Thinking?
Yes: Halfback, Five-Eighth, Hooker.
No: Winger, Second Row, Lock.
Do You Thrive in Open Play?
Yes: Fullback, Winger, Halfback.
No: Prop, Hooker, Second Row.
Do You Want to Lead the Team?
Yes: Halfback, Hooker, Lock.
No: Centre, Winger, Second Row.
4. Testing Your Skills in Training
Coaches often allow new players to try multiple positions during training or friendly matches. Here’s how you can test where you might fit:
Try Forwards First: If you enjoy tackling and physical contact, start with prop, second row, or lock.
Test Your Creativity: Play as a halfback or five-eighth if you excel at passing and decision-making.
Focus on Speed: If you’re one of the fastest players, try wing or fullback.
5. Adapting as You Progress
Your preferred position may change as your skills and fitness evolve. For example, players who start in the forwards as juniors may move to the backs if they develop speed or agility. Staying open to feedback and trying different roles can help you find where you truly shine.
Conclusion
Rugby league has a position for every type of player, from the powerful props to the speedy wingers. By understanding your physical attributes, temperament, and preferences, you can find the role that best suits your strengths and personality.
The key to finding your position is being willing to experiment and work with your coach to develop the skills needed for your chosen role. No matter where you play, rugby league is a game that values teamwork, effort, and passion—traits that every position requires.
