NRL who is a winger in the NRL who wears either the number 14 or 11 jersey. They usually represent one of the team’s best players on the pitch and contribute significantly to supporting the attack of their team. Furthermore, wingers play an important role in clearing their own territory, fielding ,high kicks and performing covering tackles.
The winger position is one of the most vital in rugby league, yet it can be challenging to master. Not only must they play, but they must be strong enough to contest scrums and run at speed.
In a rugby league match, each team has two wingers (numbers 11 and 14), located to the left and right of the center. These players form an attacking pack that often assists the fullback during attacks.
They are typically used in attacking situations, but can also assist their center by passing the ball to them and running at speed. Sometimes referred to as second-row forwards or tackling machines due to how often they make tackles each game, these players make plenty of catches and pass.
Wingers come in many varieties, each with their own strengths. Some are powerful ball runners who can cause havoc on the opposition; on the other hand, some wingers possess great skill and agility to play a more subtle role within the backline.
Wingers have the potential to make or break a game of rugby union, so it is essential that they maximize their abilities. Not only should they score plenty of tries but also play an integral role in supporting their team throughout the match.
Some of NRL history’s greatest wingers have achieved spectacular career highs and have been around for several years, while others are just starting out like Alex Johnston, Maika Sivo or Reuben Garrick who are still young in their careers.
Successive wingers tend to be big and fast, making meters out of the dummy half, especially outside the red zone. They possess exceptional finishing touches as well as key positioning abilities which allows them to maintain leadership positions.
In addition, an excellent winger should be able to lead their team out of defense and set up their teammates for scoring. This is the most crucial aspect of their role in the NRL, and there are plenty of fantastic examples of it being done.
Some of the greatest wingers in NRL history include Matt Sing, Alex Johnston, and Vatuvei Vunivalu. While all three scored plenty of tries, Sing stood out among them with his consistent strike rate that rivaled even that of top competition.
Brian To’o was another outstanding winger who spent his entire NRL career at Penrith and earned himself the 2021 Dally M Winger of the Year award. His average distance covered per game in the NRL was an astonishing 250 meters, as he crossed for 14 tries along the way.
He has a lot to look forward to in 2022, and it’s safe to say that he will continue to develop his game. An elite try-scorer and tackling machine, he will no doubt be an integral part of the Penrith Panthers’ attack in 2022.
