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A typical rugby league team consists of thirteen players on the field plus four substitutes on the bench. more...

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Overview

Players on field are divided into two general categories: \"forwards\" and \"backs\".

Forwards are generally chosen for their size and strength. They are also expected to run with the ball and attack. Often required to do a lot of hard work in matches, making openings for the backs and gaining metres in field position.

Backs are usually much smaller and faster, but a big man who can run can be of great advantage in the backs. Their roles require speed and ball-playing skills (rather than brute strength) to take advantage of the field position gained by the hard-working forwards.

Early in the tackle count the ball is commonly given to forwards to improve field position while not losing possession. After the play the ball, the dummy-half (often the hooker) may choose to run with the ball or pass it to another forward who will try to break the first tackle and gain as many metres as possible. Later in the tackle count the ball typically comes to the backs who, being faster than forwards, are able to make more metres and are more likely to score. However passing movements among the backs are more risky than forward play, which is why this is not normally preferred early in the tackle-count.

Numbering

The numbering of positions is standardised. The starting side will invariably wear the numbers corresponding to their positions, except in the case of substitutions and position shifts during the game.

The chart below shows these numbers alongside their positions. Forwards are above the line, and backs below.

In addition to the thirteen on-field players, there are four replacement players. Usually, they will be numbered 14, 15, 16 and 17, although other numbers may be used.

Each player has their own number for the whole game, regardless of which position they play in. That is, if player number 14 replaces the fullback (for example), they will wear the number 14 for the whole game. They do not change shirts to display the number 1. The number a player wears will be for the position assigned to him before the match starts.

Prior to 1989 all Australian teams with the exception of the international team would use a unique numbering system confined only to Australia. The numbers for the backs were exactly the same as they are now but the numbers were different in the forward pack. Under this old numbering system the lock/loose forward would be number 8, the second rowers were 9 and 10, the prop forwards were 11 and 13 and the hooker was 12.

Read more at Wikipedia.org