Hi Freda

This is a hard question to answer as there is no simple way - the player has to appreciate what is needed in both attack and defence in the 13 shirt.

If you watch the World Cup games currently being played you will see there are a number of different ways of playing in this position and the ke thing is that the style fits with the team.

Here are a few key attributes a centre must have:

• Pass off both hands
• Strong tackler
• Able to hold up attacker in tackle
• Fast and evasive runner
• Good kicker off either foot
• Good understanding of game and backs role

There is so much more to say but hopefully this will help you.

Simon