What is a 'Dummy half ' in rugby league. I was watching the games today (although I'm a union man)

Question

I heard the term mentioned and wondered what it was...scrum half, outside/fly half...or something else. I don't usually watch league but the GB v NZ and Scotland v Wales have endeared me to it.

It shouldn't be league v union....both are different games with their own good and bad points.

Answer 1

5/8 is the stand off who directs the play just like union.In dummy half you will see the hooker generally taking up this position and passing the ball out.Dummy half is also called acting half as in acting half back.Hope this helps you.

Answer 2

Just to clarify the 5/8th in rugby terms.  Leagues 5/8th is Unions flyhalf.  In Australia they rarely call the flyhalf a flyhalf and call him/her a 5/8th.

Answer 3

The one who receives at the play the ball, after the tackle.

A 5/8 is what we call a Stand-Off in the UK - the Aussies tend to call them a 5/8

Answer 4

in rugby league, after a tackle has been made, they have to get up and play the ball which means rolling the ball backwards with one foot, rucking it back, the dummy half is the guy who stands behind and passes it off, the dummy half is not always the half back or fly half, it normally so happens to be the number nine, which in union is the hooker equivalent, its not actually a designated position its just whoever gets to the play in time will play dummy half,

Answer 5

dummy half can be any player, they are the one that receives the ball from the tackled player as he gets up and plays the ball backwards with his foot, it can be any player although it is usually the hooker or scrum half,  the stand off will often go at first receiver from the dummy half but some times you Will see what is known as a run from dummy half when the markers are caught off guard, the player will take advantage of them not standing square and make  valuable metres.  now and again you will see the wingers come in and do this as it helps the rest of the team catch a breather, sometimes they score from inside their own half when they do this. i am glad you appreciate both codes, and i agree with your last point.