Rugby halfback (5-3)
I believe the answer is:
stand-off
'rugby halfback' is the definition.
(I've seen this before)
This is the entire clue.
(Other definitions for stand-off that I've seen before include "Deadlock between two matched opponents" , "Stalemate - keep your distance" , "Deadlock between equal opponents" , "Deadlock (in match)" , "Remain at a distance - while on feet?" .)