QCup Position Scoring (Opta-level data, 123 matches)
Interpretation
Finishers (tries/player): Wingers 4.1 > Fullbacks 2.51 > Centres 1.89 — backs finish the work.
Creators (try assists/player): Halfback 4.0 > Five-Eighth 3.7 > Fullback 3.12 — spine creates the chances.
Workhorses (tackles/player): Hooker 29 > Lock 28 > 2nd Row 27 — middle third defends hard.
Run metres/player: Fullback 132m > Winger 120m > Centre 110m — backs take the hit-ups.
Key takeaway: The outsides (WG/C/WG) score; the spine (HB/FE/FB) creates; the middle third (HK/2R/LK/PR) does the work. This validates the theory that backs are your finishers — targeting wingers and centres with proven QCup scoring records is the right move.