Rugby league positions explained

Rugby league has 13 players on the field. The squad for each match is 17 — 13 starters and 4 substitutes. The positions are numbered 1–13, though in modern rugby league the numbering on jerseys doesn't always match the traditional role.

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Fullback (1). The last line of defence and the most dangerous attacking player in modern rugby league. The fullback fields kicks, covers across the back field, and constantly enters the attacking line at pace. The best fullbacks — James Tedesco, Kalyn Ponga, Roger Tuivasa-Sheck — combine elite footwork with the ability to create and finish tries. The fullback often wears 1 but in practice runs everywhere.

Wingers (2 and 5). Finishers. The winger's main job is to score tries when the ball reaches the edge. They also field kicks from the opposition and use the touchline as a defensive tool. Josh Addo-Carr holds the NRL record for career tries, a testament to how prolific a great winger can be. Wingers need explosive acceleration over short distances and safe hands under a high ball.

Centres (3 and 4). The midfield of the backline. Centres are ball runners in attack — they take the ball from the halves and either punch through the defence or create space on the outside for the winger. In defence, they are responsible for the channel outside the second row. A centre who hits hard in both phases, like Stephen Crichton or Joseph Manu, is among the most valuable players in a squad.

Five-eighth / Stand-off (6). Shares playmaking duties with the halfback. In the NRL the six often acts as the attacking organiser closer to the ruck; in Super League the role is sometimes called stand-off. The five-eighth kicks in-goal, passes wide, runs short lines, and acts as the secondary kicker. George Williams and Jonny Lomax are classic Super League stand-offs.

Halfback (7). The primary kicker and decision-maker. In most teams the halfback controls the game — calling plays, choosing when to kick, and generally dictating tempo. Nathan Cleary (Penrith Panthers) and Harry Smith (Wigan Warriors) are current examples. The halfback wears 7 and usually plays close to the ruck.

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Props (8 and 10). The heaviest players on the field. Their job is to carry the ball hard and straight into defenders, absorbing contact and tiring out the opposition's defensive line. Props also defend around the ruck. In modern rugby league props need to be mobile enough to play 40–50 minutes at sustained intensity. Props rarely score tries but their contribution decides games in the first 25 metres.

Hooker / Dummy-half (9). In modern rugby league the most influential position on the field. The hooker picks the ball up from every single tackle throughout the match — that's around 200 pickups per game — and decides instantly whether to run, pass left, or pass right. The hooker controls the speed of play and is usually the smartest footballer in the team. Harry Grant and Api Koroisau are NRL examples; Elliot Minchella plays the role for Hull KR.

Second rows (11 and 12). A step up in athleticism from props. Second rows are expected to carry, but also to make ground in open space, and in attack can act like extra backs. A good second row covers enormous distance and tackles in the middle third of the field. Liam Farrell (Wigan) and Benjamin Garcia (Catalans) are classic Super League second rows.

Loose forward (13). The most mobile forward on the park, often called a lock. The loose forward covers ground like a back row in rugby union — making tackles all over the field, joining the attack when the ball goes wide, and acting as a secondary organiser from dummy-half. The role suits players who can run, tackle, and think quickly. Patrick Carrigan and Elliot Minchella play variants of this role.