Fullback (rugby league) explained

Fullback (or full-back) is one of the positions in a rugby league football team. Typically wearing jersey number 1, the fullback is a member of the team's 'back-line' (No. 1-7).[1] The position's name comes from their duty of standing the furthest back in defence, behind the forwards (8-13), half backs (6 and 7) and the three-quarter backs (2-5).[2] Fullbacks are therefore the last line of defence,[3] having to tackle any opposition players and regather the ball from any kicks that make it through their teammates.[4] It is for this reason that the fullback is also referred to as the sweeper or custodian.[5] Being able to secure high bomb kicks is a highly sought quality in fullbacks.[6]

Fullback is also one of the most important positions in attack,[7] handling the ball nearly every set of six and often running into open space on the field.[8] Therefore, together with the two half backs and hooker, fullback is one of the four key positions that make up what is referred to as a team's 'spine'.[9] Because the fullback makes the most support runs, players in the fullback role complete more very high-intensity running than any other position.[10]

The Rugby League International Federation's Laws of the Game state that the 'fullback' is to be numbered 1.[11] However, traditionally players' jersey numbers have varied, and in the modern Super League, each squad's players are assigned individual numbers regardless of position.

Notable fullbacks

Fullbacks who feature in their respective nations' rugby league halls of fame are France's Puig Aubert, Australia's Clive Churchill and Charles Fraser, Wales' Jim Sullivan and New Zealand's Des White. Churchill's and Darren Lockyer's attacking flair as players are credited with having changed the role of the fullback.[12] [13]

See also

Notes and References

  1. Book: Hickey, Julia. Understanding Rugby League. 2006. Coachwise. UK. 9781905540105.
  2. News: news.bbc.co.uk. Positions guide: Full-back. Rugby League: Laws & Equipment. 12 September 2005 . BBC Sport. 11 July 2012.
  3. News: Rob. Lancaster. Final battles. 16 July 2012. Sky Sports. 6 October 2011.
  4. Web site: therfl.co.uk. Understanding Positions. A Guide to the Game. Rugby Football League. 24 June 2012. https://web.archive.org/web/20120527205945/http://www.therfl.co.uk/a_guide_to_the_game/understanding_positions. 27 May 2012. dead.
  5. News: Hall. Sam. Rejuvenated Denan Kemp puts hand up for custodian spot. 11 July 2012. Illawarra Mercury. 30 Nov 2011.
    - News: halifaxcourier.co.uk. Fax is Miles better for me: Greenwood. 11 July 2012. Halifax Courier. 15 August 2008.
  6. News: Chris. Garry. Safety stats add up to Greg Inglis at Maroons fullback. 8 January 2014. The Courier-Mail. 26 June 2012.
    - News: Stannard. Damien. Brisbane Broncos goggle-eyed over high-ball threat. 8 January 2014. The Courier-Mail. 29 June 2012.
  7. News: Kent. Paul. Evolution of the game: Fullback goes past halfback as NRL's most important position. 4 September 2013. The Daily Telegraph. 5 September 2012.
  8. News: Bryan. Andrew. Back yourself in Origin Dream Team. 11 July 2012. nswrl.com.au. 29 June 2012. https://web.archive.org/web/20121021164101/http://www.nswrl.com.au/default.aspx?s=article-display. 21 October 2012. dead.
  9. News: Read. Brent. Coach Tim Sheens yet to crack Wests Tigers' backbone. 11 July 2012. The Australian. 11 February 2012.
  10. Sirotic AC, Knowles H, Catterick C, Coutts AJ . Positional match demands of professional rugby league competition. 21993021. 10.1519/JSC.0b013e318212dad6. 25. 11. 3076–87. J Strength Cond Res. 2011. 10453/18619. 15025826. free.
  11. Book: The International Laws of the Game and Notes of the Laws. 2007. RLIF. 9. 2012-07-28. https://web.archive.org/web/20121114194715/http://rlifmedia.dyndns.org/docs/rugby_laws_book_2007_%20(2).pdf. 2012-11-14. dead.
  12. Book: Middleton , David . League of Legends: 100 Years of Rugby League in Australia . National Museum of Australia . 2008 . 31 . 978-1-876944-64-3 . dead . https://web.archive.org/web/20110317093000/http://www.nma.gov.au/shared/libraries/attachments/league_of_legends/rugby_league_a_work_in_progress/files/22453/F_RL_work_in_progress.pdf . 2011-03-17.
  13. Book: Jackson, Glenn. Benji: My Story. 2011. Hachette. New Zealand. 9781869712648.

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