Fullback (rugby league)

Billy Slater, Australia, Queensland and Melbourne Storm former fullback

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.

  1. ^ Hickey, Julia (2006). Understanding Rugby League. UK: Coachwise. ISBN 9781905540105.
  2. ^ news.bbc.co.uk (12 September 2005). "Positions guide: Full-back". Rugby League: Laws & Equipment. BBC Sport. Retrieved 11 July 2012.
  3. ^ Rob, Lancaster (6 October 2011). "Final battles". Sky Sports. Retrieved 16 July 2012.
  4. ^ therfl.co.uk. "Understanding Positions". A Guide to the Game. Rugby Football League. Archived from the original on 27 May 2012. Retrieved 24 June 2012.
  5. ^ Hall, Sam (30 Nov 2011). "Rejuvenated Denan Kemp puts hand up for custodian spot". Illawarra Mercury. Retrieved 11 July 2012.
    - halifaxcourier.co.uk (15 August 2008). "Fax is Miles better for me: Greenwood". Halifax Courier. Retrieved 11 July 2012.
  6. ^ Chris, Garry (26 June 2012). "Safety stats add up to Greg Inglis at Maroons fullback". The Courier-Mail. Retrieved 8 January 2014.
    - Stannard, Damien (29 June 2012). "Brisbane Broncos goggle-eyed over high-ball threat". The Courier-Mail. Retrieved 8 January 2014.
  7. ^ Kent, Paul (5 September 2012). "Evolution of the game: Fullback goes past halfback as NRL's most important position". The Daily Telegraph. Retrieved 4 September 2013.
  8. ^ Bryan, Andrew (29 June 2012). "Back yourself in Origin Dream Team". nswrl.com.au. Archived from the original on 21 October 2012. Retrieved 11 July 2012.
  9. ^ Read, Brent (11 February 2012). "Coach Tim Sheens yet to crack Wests Tigers' backbone". The Australian. Retrieved 11 July 2012.
  10. ^ Sirotic AC, Knowles H, Catterick C, Coutts AJ (2011). "Positional match demands of professional rugby league competition". J Strength Cond Res. 25 (11): 3076–87. doi:10.1519/JSC.0b013e318212dad6. hdl:10453/18619. PMID 21993021. S2CID 15025826.
  11. ^ The International Laws of the Game and Notes of the Laws (PDF). RLIF. 2007. p. 9. Archived from the original (PDF) on 2012-11-14. Retrieved 2012-07-28.