Top 10 fullbacks in the NRL

 
Paul Arandale Roar Pro

By , 14 Apr 2012 Paul Arandale is a Roar Pro

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    The NRL has so many good fullbacks it is hard to fit them all into a top 10, so I have picked the top 10 purely on 2012 form.

    There could be a few surprises and I’m sure some fans will not agree. I couldn’t find room for Josh Dugan, for example. If he had played more games he would definitely be in there somewhere.

    10). Jarryd Hayne.
    He has only played a couple of games and he is having a go. Can be caught out of position sometimes on kick returns but he is class, and will no doubt be higher ranked once his forwards start having a dig.

    9). Josh Morris.
    Still finding his way at fullback but he looks good in the number 1. He adds that extra sting in the Dragons attack. Something they need. The signs are there to be a good fullback.

    8). Matt Bowen.
    They call him a veteran but he still looks like a schoolkid on the field. Always in support of JT and great in defence. He puts in 100 percent every week and would not let Queensland down if recalled as a utility.

    7). Brett Stewart.
    Slowly getting back to his best. He is a vital part to the Manly attack. His vision in reading a half chance is his strength. He can appear from nowhere and create something from nothing.

    6). Josh Hoffman.
    Every player in the Broncos is doing their job this season. Hoffman has been a great asset so far in sharing the pressure in attack with Wallace and Norman. He should get the jump over Kevin Locke for the Kiwi number 1 job.

    5). Anthony Minichiello.
    He may be a tad slower these days but the Italian mountain cat still knows where to prowl. Showing good solid form early for the Roosters, he is definitely still in the mix for NSW.

    4). Nathan Gardiner.
    He is growing in confidence week by week linking with Carney and Graham. I don’t think he is ready for Origin yet but is certainly the pick of the NSW fullbacks after six rounds.

    3). Greg Inglis.
    The Bunnies look a different team with Inglis at fullback. He has the best fend in the game and defenders fear him running the ball back.

    2) Ben Barba.
    He pops up in the right place at the right time. Always hanging around Pritchard and Graham in support. He has improved under the high ball and in defence. He will fill the void as the Origin utility this year.

    1). Billy Slater.
    Who else would be at number one? He is the Black Caviar of fullbacks. You know he will put on a good show and a winning performance.

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