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{{Short description|Position in rugby league football}}
{{Short description|Position in rugby league football}}
[[File:BillyS.jpg|thumb|right|[[Billy Slater]], [[Australia national rugby league team|Australia]], [[Queensland rugby league team|Queensland]] and [[Melbourne Storm]] former fullback]]
[[File:BillyS.jpg|thumb|right|[[Billy Slater]], [[Australia national rugby league team|Australia]], [[Queensland rugby league team|Queensland]] and [[Melbourne Storm]] former fullback]]
'''Fullback''' (or '''full-back''') is one of the [[Rugby league positions|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).<ref>{{cite book|last=Hickey|first=Julia|title=Understanding Rugby League|year=2006|publisher=Coachwise|location=UK|isbn= 9781905540105|url=https://books.google.com/books?id=GU3ezfInjVwC}}</ref> 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).<ref>{{cite news|last=news.bbc.co.uk|title=Positions guide: Full-back|url=http://news.bbc.co.uk/sport2/hi/rugby_league/rules_and_equipment/4215610.stm|work=Rugby League: Laws & Equipment|date=12 September 2005 |publisher=[[BBC]] Sport|access-date=11 July 2012}}</ref> Fullbacks are therefore the last line of defence,<ref>{{cite news|last=Rob|first=Lancaster|title=Final battles|url=http://www.skysports.com/story/0,,12040_7228115,00.html|access-date=16 July 2012|newspaper=[[Sky Sports]]|date=6 October 2011}}</ref> having to [[Tackle (football move)|tackle]] any opposition players and regather the ball from any kicks that make it through their teammates.<ref>{{cite web|last=therfl.co.uk|title=Understanding Positions|url=http://www.therfl.co.uk/a_guide_to_the_game/understanding_positions|work=A Guide to the Game|publisher=[[Rugby Football League]]|access-date=24 June 2012|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20120527205945/http://www.therfl.co.uk/a_guide_to_the_game/understanding_positions|archive-date=27 May 2012|url-status=dead}}</ref> It is for this reason that the fullback is also referred to as the '''sweeper''' or '''custodian'''.<ref>{{cite news|last=Hall|first=Sam|title=Rejuvenated Denan Kemp puts hand up for custodian spot|url=http://www.illawarramercury.com.au/news/local/sport/rugby-league/rejuvenated-denan-kemp-puts-hand-up-for-custodian-spot/2375258.aspx|access-date=11 July 2012|newspaper=[[Illawarra Mercury]]|date=30 Nov 2011}}<br/>- {{cite news|last=halifaxcourier.co.uk|title=Fax is Miles better for me: Greenwood|url=http://www.halifaxcourier.co.uk/news/rugby-league-fax-is-miles-better-for-me-greenwood-1-1916299|access-date=11 July 2012|newspaper=Halifax Courier|date=15 August 2008}}</ref> Being able to secure high [[Bomb (kick)|bomb kick]]s is a highly sought quality in fullbacks.<ref>{{cite news|last=Chris|first=Garry|title=Safety stats add up to Greg Inglis at Maroons fullback|url=http://www.news.com.au/sport/nrl/safety-stats-add-up-to-greg-inglis-at-maroons-fullback/story-fndv2twz-1226408324570|access-date=8 January 2014|newspaper=[[The Courier-Mail]]|date=26 June 2012}}<br/>- {{cite news|last=Stannard|first=Damien|title=Brisbane Broncos goggle-eyed over high-ball threat|url=http://www.couriermail.com.au/sport/nrl/brisbane-broncos-goggle-eyed-over-high-ball-threat/story-e6frep5x-1226411548075|access-date=8 January 2014|newspaper=[[The Courier-Mail]]|date=29 June 2012}}</ref>
'''Fullback''' (or '''full-back''') is one of the [[Rugby league positions|positions]] in a [[rugby league]] football team. Typically wearing jersey number '''15''', the fullback is a member of the team's 'back-line' (No. 9-15).<ref>{{cite book|last=Hickey|first=Julia|title=Understanding Rugby League|year=2006|publisher=Coachwise|location=UK|isbn= 9781905540105|url=https://books.google.com/books?id=GU3ezfInjVwC}}</ref> 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).<ref>{{cite news|last=news.bbc.co.uk|title=Positions guide: Full-back|url=http://news.bbc.co.uk/sport2/hi/rugby_league/rules_and_equipment/4215610.stm|work=Rugby League: Laws & Equipment|date=12 September 2005 |publisher=[[BBC]] Sport|access-date=11 July 2012}}</ref> Fullbacks are therefore the last line of defence,<ref>{{cite news|last=Rob|first=Lancaster|title=Final battles|url=http://www.skysports.com/story/0,,12040_7228115,00.html|access-date=16 July 2012|newspaper=[[Sky Sports]]|date=6 October 2011}}</ref> having to [[Tackle (football move)|tackle]] any opposition players and regather the ball from any kicks that make it through their teammates.<ref>{{cite web|last=therfl.co.uk|title=Understanding Positions|url=http://www.therfl.co.uk/a_guide_to_the_game/understanding_positions|work=A Guide to the Game|publisher=[[Rugby Football League]]|access-date=24 June 2012|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20120527205945/http://www.therfl.co.uk/a_guide_to_the_game/understanding_positions|archive-date=27 May 2012|url-status=dead}}</ref> It is for this reason that the fullback is also referred to as the '''sweeper''' or '''custodian'''.<ref>{{cite news|last=Hall|first=Sam|title=Rejuvenated Denan Kemp puts hand up for custodian spot|url=http://www.illawarramercury.com.au/news/local/sport/rugby-league/rejuvenated-denan-kemp-puts-hand-up-for-custodian-spot/2375258.aspx|access-date=11 July 2012|newspaper=[[Illawarra Mercury]]|date=30 Nov 2011}}<br/>- {{cite news|last=halifaxcourier.co.uk|title=Fax is Miles better for me: Greenwood|url=http://www.halifaxcourier.co.uk/news/rugby-league-fax-is-miles-better-for-me-greenwood-1-1916299|access-date=11 July 2012|newspaper=Halifax Courier|date=15 August 2008}}</ref> Being able to secure high [[Bomb (kick)|bomb kick]]s is a highly sought quality in fullbacks.<ref>{{cite news|last=Chris|first=Garry|title=Safety stats add up to Greg Inglis at Maroons fullback|url=http://www.news.com.au/sport/nrl/safety-stats-add-up-to-greg-inglis-at-maroons-fullback/story-fndv2twz-1226408324570|access-date=8 January 2014|newspaper=[[The Courier-Mail]]|date=26 June 2012}}<br/>- {{cite news|last=Stannard|first=Damien|title=Brisbane Broncos goggle-eyed over high-ball threat|url=http://www.couriermail.com.au/sport/nrl/brisbane-broncos-goggle-eyed-over-high-ball-threat/story-e6frep5x-1226411548075|access-date=8 January 2014|newspaper=[[The Courier-Mail]]|date=29 June 2012}}</ref>


Fullback is also one of the most important positions in attack,<ref>{{cite news|last=Kent|first=Paul|title=Evolution of the game: Fullback goes past halfback as NRL's most important position|url=http://www.foxsports.com.au/league/evolution-of-the-game-fullback-goes-past-halfback-as-nrls-most-important-position/story-e6frf3ou-1226465268046#.UiaVijZmiSo|access-date=4 September 2013|newspaper=[[The Daily Telegraph (Sydney)|The Daily Telegraph]]|date=5 September 2012}}</ref> handling the ball nearly every set of six and often running into open space on the [[Rugby league playing field|field]].<ref>{{cite news|last=Bryan|first=Andrew|title=Back yourself in Origin Dream Team|url=http://www.nswrl.com.au/default.aspx?s=article-display&id=58252|access-date=11 July 2012|newspaper=[[New South Wales Rugby League|nswrl]].com.au|date=29 June 2012|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20121021164101/http://www.nswrl.com.au/default.aspx?s=article-display|archive-date=21 October 2012|url-status=dead}}</ref> Therefore, together with the two half backs and [[Hooker (rugby league)|hooker]], fullback is one of the four key positions that make up what is referred to as a team's 'spine'.<ref>{{cite news|last=Read|first=Brent|title=Coach Tim Sheens yet to crack Wests Tigers' backbone|url=http://www.theaustralian.com.au/sport/coach-tim-sheens-yet-to-crack-wests-tigers-backbone/story-e6frg7mf-1226268222102|access-date=11 July 2012|newspaper=[[The Australian]]|date=11 February 2012}}</ref> Because the fullback makes the most support runs, players in the fullback role complete more very high-intensity running than any other position.<ref>{{cite journal|vauthors=Sirotic AC, Knowles H, Catterick C, Coutts AJ |title=Positional match demands of professional rugby league competition|pmid=21993021|doi=10.1519/JSC.0b013e318212dad6|volume=25|issue=11|pages=3076–87|journal=J Strength Cond Res|year=2011|hdl=10453/18619|s2cid=15025826|hdl-access=free}}</ref>
Fullback is also one of the most important positions in attack,<ref>{{cite news|last=Kent|first=Paul|title=Evolution of the game: Fullback goes past halfback as NRL's most important position|url=http://www.foxsports.com.au/league/evolution-of-the-game-fullback-goes-past-halfback-as-nrls-most-important-position/story-e6frf3ou-1226465268046#.UiaVijZmiSo|access-date=4 September 2013|newspaper=[[The Daily Telegraph (Sydney)|The Daily Telegraph]]|date=5 September 2012}}</ref> handling the ball nearly every set of six and often running into open space on the [[Rugby league playing field|field]].<ref>{{cite news|last=Bryan|first=Andrew|title=Back yourself in Origin Dream Team|url=http://www.nswrl.com.au/default.aspx?s=article-display&id=58252|access-date=11 July 2012|newspaper=[[New South Wales Rugby League|nswrl]].com.au|date=29 June 2012|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20121021164101/http://www.nswrl.com.au/default.aspx?s=article-display|archive-date=21 October 2012|url-status=dead}}</ref> Therefore, together with the two half backs and [[Hooker (rugby league)|hooker]], fullback is one of the four key positions that make up what is referred to as a team's 'spine'.<ref>{{cite news|last=Read|first=Brent|title=Coach Tim Sheens yet to crack Wests Tigers' backbone|url=http://www.theaustralian.com.au/sport/coach-tim-sheens-yet-to-crack-wests-tigers-backbone/story-e6frg7mf-1226268222102|access-date=11 July 2012|newspaper=[[The Australian]]|date=11 February 2012}}</ref> Because the fullback makes the most support runs, players in the fullback role complete more very high-intensity running than any other position.<ref>{{cite journal|vauthors=Sirotic AC, Knowles H, Catterick C, Coutts AJ |title=Positional match demands of professional rugby league competition|pmid=21993021|doi=10.1519/JSC.0b013e318212dad6|volume=25|issue=11|pages=3076–87|journal=J Strength Cond Res|year=2011|hdl=10453/18619|s2cid=15025826|hdl-access=free}}</ref>

Revision as of 18:03, 7 March 2024

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 15, the fullback is a member of the team's 'back-line' (No. 9-15).[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

See also: Category:Rugby league 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

References

  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.
  12. ^ Middleton, David (2008). League of Legends: 100 Years of Rugby League in Australia (PDF). National Museum of Australia. p. 31. ISBN 978-1-876944-64-3. Archived from the original (PDF) on 2011-03-17.
  13. ^ Jackson, Glenn (2011). Benji: My Story. New Zealand: Hachette. ISBN 9781869712648.
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