Centre
Player to watch: Justin Hodges - Brisbane Broncos
Jersey Number: 3 & 4
General Skills Required of a Centre:
- Sound understanding of positional requirements depending on patterns of play
- Speed
- Evasive skills
- Good ball skills (can carry the ball in both hands)
- Good defender
Considerations in Attack:
- Understanding left and right attacking systems
- Attempt to beat opposite number on outside
- Take ball at speed in attack (ie. depth)
- Try to stay on feet in order to back up after passing
- Cohesiveness with 5/8, winger and attacking players
- Precision/timing of support play
Considerations in Defence:
- Understand left and right defensive requirements
- Understand fully centre roles in either "sliding" or "up and in" defence
- Do not let opponent get on your outside
- Need to ensure opposition does not get ball away (ie. ball and all defence)
- Communicate loudly in defence (slide, etc)
- Defend at 5/8 when opposition scrum feed in your defensive zone
- Chase kicks
All Playing Positions
