Rugby League is just about the last sport in which players wear a different jersey each week depending on which position they are playing or their position on the bench. In nearly every other sport players are given a jersey number to start the season and they were that number regardless of the position they play.

At the start of the season NRL clubs should give each player a squad number, in the same way they do for soccer, basketball and virtually every other sport. For example, in soccer the teams best goalkeeper is traditionally given the number 1 jersey for the whole season. Even if they get injured or dropped due to a downturn in form their replacement doesn’t wear the number 1 jersey, they wear the number they were given at the start of the season.

By giving players in the NRL a jersey number for the season it provides a number of great opportunities for marketing and fan engagement. It’s not as if the number’s 1-17 named on a Tuesday afternoon are set in stone either, many coaches make changes on game day or make a late decision regarding a players fitness which leads to a player running onto the pitch in the starting 13 but wearing the number 19 for example.

However, If the number 7 jersey was handed out to each sides primary halfback for the year then they would be able to generate fan, media and marketing interest. There’s no doubt that Jerome Luai’s number 7 jersey at the Tigers this year would have been one of the highest selling jerseys in the competition. Fans don’t want to have a generic jersey, or one covered in sponsors from front to back, they want to be able to choose their favourite player. Players then have the opportunity to build a brand, just like Cristano Ronaldo has done with CR7.

Whilst most fans of rugby league support a team, there are some who follow players who they really like or have a strong connection with. Having a players name on the back then opens the opportunity for fans to collect a players jersey as they move between clubs. Imagine you were a die-hard Aaron Woods and you wanted to collect his jersey from the Tigers, Bulldogs, Sharks, Dragons and Sea Eagles!

Ultimately the NRL is late to the party on assigning player numbers and getting their names on the back of their jersey. It has been a proven success in many different sports and rugby league needs to get on board and give the fans what they want!