10 things you need to know about Australia’s NRL (Part 2)

Big blows are tough
If you weigh 120 kg and your neck is wider than your head, then you belong to the front pack. Strikers – numbered between 8 and 13 – are hard rock hombres, who provide graft, work grunt and smash massive hits in the middle of the pitch. Tonga ruined Jason Taumalolo’s ball, Dave Klemmer was a bit annoyed and Paul Gallen was one of the best in the game.
Small owls are smart
One way for the smaller men to beat the big tufts, and that is to use the brain between their ears. The half – eighth year wearing No.6 and halfback out of 7 – is the rugby league what the quarterbacks are American football, playing the role of the small generals directing next to the park. The legendary half Johnathan Thurston is the standout player of this current generation.
And serious quick quick hits
See the back of the NRL – fullbacks (No.1), wingers (numbers 2 and 5) and centers (numbers 3 and 4) – engrave on the edges then throw their bodies on the lines and you’ll think You watch gymnasts at the circus rather than professional athletes at work. Speed freaks Valentine Holmes, Josh Addo-Carr, Dane Gagai, James Roberts and Suliasi Vunivalu long list of the long list of outrageously talented acrobatics.
Indigenous communities make a huge contribution
The history of the rugby league is dotted with Murri and Koori men who represented their culture with confidence on the soccer field. Artie Beetson became the first native Australian to captain her country in any sport in 1973, following in recent years by Laurie Daley and Gorden Tallis, while modern icons like Thurston , Greg Inglis and Andrew Fifita continue this proud tradition today.
A women’s comp is about to begin
Women have been playing rugby league in Australia since back in the 1920s, and in 2018 the NRL will be holding the women’s opening ceremony. The Brisbane Broncos, Sydney Roosters, NZ Warriors and St George Illawarra Dragons will attack it this September for their first NRL silver suit.
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