Five-eighth

The role of the five-eighth is often to pass the ball away from the congested area around the tackle, further out along the 'back-line' to the outside backs, the centres and wingers, who have more space to run with it.

[9][10] The five-eighth is therefore considered one of the most important positions, often referred to as a 'play maker', assuming a decision-making role on the field.

[14] One book published in 1996 stated that in senior rugby league, the five-eighth and hooker handled the ball more often than any other positions.

[15] The Rugby League International Federation's Laws of the Game state that the "Stand-off half or Five-eighth" is to be numbered 6.

Five-eighths that feature in their respective nations' rugby league halls of fame are England's Roger Millward, Australia's Wally Lewis, Bob Fulton, Brett Kenny, Albert Rosenfeld and Vic Hey, and New Zealand's George Menzies.