super league numbers

[nqcowboy87]

with the numebring system for superleague why where they all really odd numbers for starting players like 35 and 27 because i have a picture of western reds starting hooker matt fuller with a 9 on his back and im pretty sure the broncos and sharks had normal numbers on their back in the gf

 

[Timmah]

Players in 1997 were able to choose whichever numbers they wished. Some just chose the number they'd normally wear, others went random.

 

[nqcowboy87]

thats pretty gay

 

[Timmah]

What an excellent response. Why is it gay? SL gave them the option, good on them. Didn't work, went back to normal in 98... simple stuff I would've thought.

 

[Dogs Of War]

They were trying to mimic NFL where players have a jersey, and then they can retire a jersey number if a player becomes associated with it. Made viewing the game a little confusing when new players joined the team (or you were watching a team you didn't know all the player on, and were wondering were they played).

 

[perverse]

i never watched superleague, did anyone use 69?

 

[Parra]

You will have to ask the person that watched it.

 

[Dogaholic]

I like the idea of squad numbers.

 

[griff]

I like the idea of squad numbers.

agreed, squad numbers is a great idea. Unfortunately the crap system they had in super league put everyone off the idea of changing the numbering system.

NRL would probably be one of the only major sport competitions in the world where players run out in old fashioned sequential numbering.

 

[Parra]

Positional numbering is great for fans in both rugby codes. Means less in RL the way the game has gone recently - but that's not a good thing.

 

[griff]

Positional numbering is great for fans in both rugby codes. Means less in RL the way the game has gone recently - but that's not a good thing.

I don't think fans of super league in the UK mind the squad number system. Just the opposite, they like it. Instead of wondering who that guy is wearing jersey 18 this week, you know the players in your club and immediately know who it is.

 

[Parra]

Puts the player ahead of the position. Which indicates a generic player rather than the need for positional specialists. This is a major problem developing in league.

 

[Dogaholic]

Also as a Dogs fan why would I buy a Jersey with a number 11 on it when it could be Lee Te Maari instead of Sonny Bill Williams?

Squad numbering would be good for merchandising!

 

[griff]

I'd say it is how the game is, and has been for many years now.

Sticking a number on their back based on the way they pack into the scrum is pretty silly imo, given the lack of importance of scrums.

 

[Parra]

Leave the scrum out of it.

Numbers 7 & 6 should mean something. Think ballplayers, clever, deft small blokes.

So should 2 & 5 - speedsters.

So should every other number on the paddock. It's a team game - not a game for clones.

Footy fans don't wonder who is wearing the number 17 jersey this week - they can easily find out who's on the bench.

 

[ollie515]

They were trying to mimic NFL where players have a jersey, and then they can retire a jersey number if a player becomes associated with it. Made viewing the game a little confusing when new players joined the team (or you were watching a team you didn't know all the player on, and were wondering were they played).

Only it was totally random numbering based on the fact the players chose their numbers.. The NFL offers a range to specific positions on the field.. Specifically..
1-9 Quarterbacks and Kickers
10-19 Quarterbacks, Receivers, Tight Ends, and Kickers
20-49 Running Backs and Defensive Backs
50-59 Centers and Linebackers
60-79 Defensive Linemen and Offensive Linemen
80-89 Receivers and Tight Ends (or 40-49 if those ranges are taken)
90-99 Defensive Linemen and Linebackers

So you have an idea of where the person plays based on number AND keep the individuality of the numbers.. This system works I think.. Its how Ocho Cinco can call himself 85 and TO can say he is the only true 81.

Green Bay retired the No4 with Brett Favre and everyone knows a Green Bay No4 is a Favre shirt..

 

[Parra]

Makes sense.

 

[TheBourbonBeast]

a

NRL would probably be one of the only major sport competitions in the world where players run out in old fashioned sequential numbering.

good on you for not watching GAFL and Ra-Ra and soccer. True league man!

 

[Dogaholic]

Leave the scrum out of it.

Numbers 7 & 6 should mean something. Think ballplayers, clever, deft small blokes.

So should 2 & 5 - speedsters.

So should every other number on the paddock. It's a team game - not a game for clones.

Footy fans don't wonder who is wearing the number 17 jersey this week - they can easily find out who's on the bench.

El Masri? Covell?

 

[Evil Homer]

I don't think fans of super league in the UK mind the squad number system. Just the opposite, they like it. Instead of wondering who that guy is wearing jersey 18 this week, you know the players in your club and immediately know who it is.

It's a great system - not stupid NFL style numbering, the squad numbers must all be in sequential order with no gaps. It's just a way of identifying players and keeping track of rosters etc as well as giving some more commercial opportunities. The only time it has been done badly was when Leigh did alphabetic numbers in 2005, but to be honest the less said about their time in SL the better.