John Winter Here is our pick of the world’s greatest number eights that we’ve seen play. This article runs through their most memorable achievements and why they’ve made our cut. There are some rules for who we considered. We only selected from players that played since 1975. Why? Because we saw them play! That rules out legends … Read more
The sport of Rugby League emerged in the late 19th Century in Northern England. At the time, the amateur ethos of rugby meant that players weren’t paid to play. They couldn’t even be compensated if injuries meant they couldn’t work. This was a huge disadvantage for working-class players with manual jobs on a weekly wage. … Read more
The thirteen players on a rugby league team play in nine different positions: This article gives a summary of each position in rugby leagues and links out to detailed articles if you want a deep dive. League Position Diagram Scrums are less common and important than they used to be in league. But the forward … Read more
The five-eighth is also known as the stand-off or pivot in rugby league. There is one five-eighth on a league team and they traditionally wear the number six jersey. The five-eighth is one of the primary playmakers on the team. In other words, they initiate and direct the attack. This article looks at the crucial … Read more
There is one hooker on a rugby league team. They are part of the six forwards on the team. Hookers traditionally wear the number nine jersey. This article looks at the crucial role of rugby league hookers in attack and defence. We have a separate article on the role of hookers in rugby union. Positioning … Read more
The halfback is also known as the scrum half or just the half in rugby league. There is one halfback on a league team and they traditionally wear the number seven jersey. The halfback is the primary playmaker in the team. In other words, they initiate and direct the attack. This article looks at the … Read more
The lock forward is also known as the loose forward in rugby league. There is one lock forward on a league team. They traditionally wear the number thirteen jersey. This article looks at the crucial role of rugby league lock forwards in attack and defence. Positioning The position gets its name from the player’s historical … Read more
There are two second rows in a rugby league team. They are part of the six forwards on the team. They are also known as second-row forwards or second-rowers. They traditionally wear the number eleven and number twelve jersey. This article looks at the crucial role of rugby league second row forwards in attack and … Read more
There are two props in a rugby league team. They are part of the six forwards on the team. Props traditionally wear the number eight and number ten jersey. This article looks at the crucial role of rugby league props in attack and defence. We have a separate article on the role of props in … Read more
Centres are part of the backline in rugby league and are positioned behind the forwards. The left centre traditionally wears the number 3 jersey. The right winger traditionally wears number 4. Although this numbering is common practice in many competitions and clubs, it’s not mandatory. This article looks at the crucial role of rugby league … Read more