Top Ten NRL Fullbacks

The fullback position in rugby league is multifaceted, requiring a combination of defensive skills, quick decision-making, and cracking attacking abilities. A skilled and effective fullback can significantly impact the outcome of a game by contributing to both defensive solidity and attacking flair. Watching games from the stands give you some understanding of the importance of the position as they organise their own defensive lines and put them in the right position to repel attacking raids. It has become the glamour position of the game with multiple players recently swapping clubs to get the opportunity to don the number one jersey.

Honourable mentions

William Kennedy

13 Line Breaks (39th)

Very close to cracking the top ten, Kennedy has been able to provide the Sharks stability at the position, and also, seamless attacking skills in the backline. He is able to chime into the backline at the right times and has built solid connections with the halves. He should be able to continue to grow his game over the next few years and allows Cronulla to focus on other positions in the team.

Tyrell Sloan

16 LB (27th) 8 Try Assists (48th) 23 Offloads (35th)

Shows flashes of his potential in every game and looks to be a star in the making. Hard to tell if his inconsistency has more to do with his age or the lack of direction within the team. Shane Flanagan should be focused on coaching and getting the best out of the young player and finding ways to maximise his speed and talents.

Jahream Bula

21 Offloads (44th)

As with Tyrell Sloan, looks to be a star of the future. Despite the continued struggles of the Tigers to create a successful team, Bula was still able to show off his considerable talents and looks like a building block for the future. The recruitment of more mature players, like Aiden Sezer and Justin Olam, should hopefully aid in his development.

Nick Meaney

11 Line Break Assists (36th) 91 Tackle Breaks (27th) 11 TA (32nd)

Did an absolute sterling job standing in for injured players at the fullback. His speed and line running ability were able to replace some of what was lost when Ryan Papenhuyzen was lost to the team. Keeping from the top ten was his ball playing but he also did not have much opportunity with the halves in place at the Storm.

THE LIST

10 Clint Gutherson

17 LBA (19th) 15 LB (29th) 14 TA (22nd) 33 Offloads (17th)

The definition of a ‘club man’ and his importance to the team is immeasurable. He is above average in all the skills needed for the position and never gives up until the final siren in each game. His efforts seem, to lift the team and its supporters and but he is unable to lift his game to the level of the players above him on this list.

9 Tom Trbojevic (11 games)

13 LBA (24th)

If Tom was able to play twenty games this season, he would be hard to keep out of the top three on this list. His try scoring ability is uncanny and he seems to be able to break the line even when defences are focused on him. He has shown his versality in the representative arena and his availability seems to have a direct correlation with Manly’s success. If the NRL gods are kind they will allow his body to be resilient and allow fans to enjoy his game again

8 Charnze Nicoll-Klokstad

11 LBA (39th) 98 TB (18th)

Very similar to Clint Gutherson, in that he puts his body on the line for his club. Teammates rally around him on the field and he always seems to be around the ball in attack in defence. His importance to the club is underlined by the predicted placement of Roger Tuivasa-Sheck in the centres, who was once a premier fullback on the NRL.

7 James Tedesco

12 LBA (29th) 15 LB (28th) 11 TA (31st) 126 TB (8th)

Even with waning of his physical talents, Tedesco still is one of the top ten fullbacks in the competition. His physical style of play has continued, and his workload continues at a high rate. Has overplayed his hand at times in attack, trying to do too much and not trusting the halves at the Roosters to get the job done. His selection for origin will really depend on whether there are glimpses of his past form to start the season.

6 Latrell Mitchell (16 games)

17 LBA (17th) 94 TB (21st) 12 TA (27th) 20 Offloads (48th)

Much like Tom Trbojevic, his unability to play a full season puts him outside the top five on this list. He has the skills and physical talents to top this list but needs to stay on the field as he is a vital cog to the team’s success. South Sydney missing the finals last year was a surprise but their reliance on him to play a large role in attack was the reason for this. Love him or hate him, a healthy Mitchell is one of the great spectacles of the spot.

5 Hamiso Tabuai-Fidow

10 LBA (48th)

Had a sensational first season with the Dolphins and carried the weight of expectations with aplomb and was their most dangerous player. Can score a try from anywhere and has defences nervous when he has the ball in space. Cemented his position in the representative teams last season and that should continue for the foreseeable future. Injuries within the club ultimately led to their fade in the later rounds the Hammer needs to be a focus of their attack this season. Would love to see him to continue his roving across the field and waiting for offloads in space, much like Nathan Blacklock did in the past.

4 Scott Drinkwater

31 LBA (4th) 14 LB (33rd) 25 TA (4th) 96 TB (20th) 21 Offloads (40th)

Secretly became the cowboys best, and most important player as the season progressed. His speed and ball playing in the line set the tone for the team and he should become comfortable with this, as his experience grows. His efforts were recognised by NSW state selectors with his selection in the squad. Finishing in the top four for Line Break Assists and Try Assists shows his effectiveness at the line of attack and the players trust in him when running onto the ball.

3 Dylan Edwards

13 LBA (27th) 12 LB (45th) 155 TB (2nd)

The definition of solid, no mistake football and on the best team in the competition. Has been playing at a consistently high level for nearly five years now and was rewarded with an Australian jersey at the end of the year. While not always spectacular, Edwards is prepared to take the hard runs and seems to be indefatigable.  He has replaced Tedesco as the fullback with highest work rate and has been rewarded by signing with the Panthers until 2028.

2 Kalyn Ponga

27 LBA (5th) 19 LB (18th) 21 TA (6th) 96 TB (19th)

Overcame some early injuries scares last season to play some match winning football and take out the Dally Medal for player of the year. Is a beautifully balanced runner and able to test the defence whenever he chooses to take on the line. His speed at the line is his greatest gift, as he is able to put defenders on their heels and then either run by them or set up teammates. Held himself out of representative football to focus on his health and Newcastle, and this paid dividends for the club. If he continues stay away from the doctor, he should cement himself as a top five player in the NRL.

1 Reece Walsh

37 LBA (1st) 26 TA (3rd)  127 TB (7th)  21 LB (13th) 25 Offloads (29th)

Absolutely came of age this season as an attacking weapon of the highest quality. First in Line Break Assists and third in Try Assists showed his growth in decision making at the defensive line and he still has room for improvement in this area. His speed from a standing start terrifies defensive lines and is starting to take on the line with more regularity. Was quiet at times in the Grand Final but showed moments of magic to set up tries and came close to being a major part in a victory. Its hard to believe he will be better this year but at 21yrs of age improvement should be a given.