Fullback is the NRL’s super position in the 2020s – the way the game has developed you can’t win a premiership without a game-turning No.1.
Brisbane wouldn’t have taken the title last year without Reece Walsh‘s brilliance in the final series and there is little doubt that he is the most dangerous player in the league.
But how do the rest of the fullbacks rate?
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Reece Walsh. Getty
Here’s my top 10 – no easy task as sensational players like Charnze Nicoll-Klokstad, Jye Gray, Will Kennedy, Sua Fa’alogo and Isaiah Iongi have missed the cut.
1. Reece Walsh (Broncos)
Still has plenty of errors in him because of the warp speed at which he plays the game, but untouchable when in the mood.
Capable of turning a game in an instant with his pace and vision.
2. James Tedesco (Roosters)
Getting better with age and if the NSW Origin team was picked on form last year, he would have been at the back.
Has the most experience of all the fullbacks running around and uses it to deadly effect.
3. Hamiso Tabuai-Fidow (Dolphins)
Hamiso Tabuai-Fidow. Getty
One of the most entertaining players to ever lace up a pair of boots, the man known as “The Hammer” scores tries for fun and I don’t think we have ever seen him at full speed because he just glides past defenders with ease.
May well get the Phins to the finals on his own this year.
4. Kayla Ponga (Knights)
Injuries and the poor players around him have seen him struggle over the past couple of seasons but with a new coach and new halves to give him time and space, should bounce back to his devastating best in 2026.
5. Dylan Edwards (Panthers)
Not the most brilliant of the bunch, but his consistency and massive numbers put him in the elite class and have turned him into a NSW and Kangaroos representative.
A key member of the Panthers machine that has dominated the game in recent years.
6. Jahream Bula (Tigers)
Jahream Bula. Getty
After a tough initiation in a struggling Tigers team, showed his class last year when he had quality players around him.
Wouldn’t surprise me if he jumped into the top three by season’s end – getting better and better.
7. Scott Drinkwater (Cowboys)
Along with star playmaker Tom Dearden, he’s been at the heart and soul of the North Queensland attack over many years.
If he steps up this season, the Cowboys are finals bound.
8. Tom Trbojevic (Sea Eagles)
Manly’s old faithful is as good as any fullback running around when fully fit, but injuries have been cruel to him and taken a yard off his pace.
There’s even talk he may start the year in the centres with Lehi Hopoate at fullback but that will be a brave call if it happens.
9. Kaeo Weekes (Raiders)
Kaeo Weekes. Getty
One of the main reasons the Raiders stunned the critics and took out the minor premiership last season.
Quick and the type of footballer who plays what he sees, he’s a natural with the ability to turn games in an instant.
10. Keano Kini (Titans)
Very similar to Weekes in that he isn’t afraid to try things on the field.
Sometimes they don’t come off but more often than not they do and he has set up many tries for his outside men.