The Struggle of Being the 18th Man

In recent times, the NRL has asked for teams to list a group of 21 players available for their upcoming game, naming 17 in the starting line-up and four reserves.

A day before kick-off, two players are omitted from the squad and two are left on, with these remaining players finding out whether or not there in the coaches plan’s for the game only hours before.

The “18th man”, as it has been dubbed, is one of league’s toughest position for players, leaving them in between first team opportunities and missing out completely.

One player known for being a reliable 18thman is Canberra Raiders winger Michael Oldfield, who joined the club back in 2017 and has played 17 games.

Oldfield admitted it’s “disappointing” not to be selected in the first team week after week, but acknowledges you need to have faith in yourself to grab those opportunities.

“You can sit around and kick stones about just always being on the cusp,” said Oldfield.

“At the same time you could not be on the cusp on not in the frame of the team... just got to be grateful for the chances I do get.”

Oldfield, 29, never expected to be a professional league player when he was younger and has been thankful for all the chances he has gotten.

“I wasn’t one of those kids that stood out from the get go,” said Oldfield. “it sort of just fell into place and I’ve been quite blessed to do this for a substantial amount of years.”

Ever since making his debut for the Manly Sea Eagles in 2010, and since then played for the Sydney Roosters, South Sydney Rabbitohs, Penrith Panthers and now Canberra Raiders respectively.

The Tongan International also spent two years playing for French side the Catalan Dragons in the English Super League, a challenge he was excited to face.

“It was quite daunting to think of the possibility of playing there,” said Oldfield. “It was a complete change up in culture and lifestyle and whatnot, but it was something I really enjoyed.”

Despite the amazing opportunity abroad, Oldfield has struggled to cement a place in the any NRL team’s starting line-up since returning back to Australia.

However, Oldfield is determined to keep up the hard work and fight for his place, shaking off the “18th man” tag.

“It’s a tough one, but it’s something I’ve just gotten used to over the years,” said Oldfield”

You’ve got to always be prepared… [for] when you get that call up, having that confidence in yourself and in your teammates around you [to play well].”