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With so much conjecture about the contest between Jarryd Hayne, Greg Inglis and incumbent Billy Slater about who should wear the green and gold number one at season’s end, it is a perfect time to assess the credentials of the NRL’s fullbacks of 2014.
I will be looking at 2014 form, however consideration will be made for injured players, such as James Tedesco. They will be judged on their performances this season so their ranking will be hampered.
As I complied this list I quickly realised I could not find a single poor player, so here is what I came up with.
16. William Zillman (Titans)
At the start of the season the Titans led the comp after nine rounds, with David Mead, who was deputising for the injured Zillman, shining at fullback and earning a Country Origin jersey along the way.
Unfortunately for Zillman he is not even the best fullback at his own club and often lacks the necessary spark of his peers in the position.
15. Michael Gordon (Sharks)
The former NSW representative has had a quiet season for the Sharks, with his biggest influence coming via goal-kicking duties.
He seems to be lacking in both pace and punch in 2014 and perhaps a stint in the centres or wing would benefit ‘Flash’, and help him return to the form that saw the Sharks offer him a lucrative contract.
The talented Nathan Gardner is waiting in the wings.
14. Ben Barba (Broncos)
Since the pre-season 2013 disruption Barba has looked a shadow of the player that won the 2012 Dally M medal for player of the season.
He has provided minimal influence in ways of tries and try assists, and his defence has at times left a lot to be desired. However, he has shown the odd glimpse of brilliance in 2014.
13. Sam Perrett/Mitch Brown (Bulldogs)
Both players have spent equal time in the Dogs’ number one this season, with both doing an extremely solid job. Perrett and Brown offer very similar services at the back with good handling, solid kick returns and defence.
Their ball-playing abilities do leave a bit to be desired though, however neither have been known to be specialist fullbacks in the past.
12. Michael Morgan (Cowboys)
Another converted fullback comes in at number 12 on the list. Morgan has had a great season for the Cowboys, filling in for their 2014 marquee purchase Lachlan Coote, who suffered a season-ending injury in the Auckland nines.
He has improved under the high ball as the season has progressed and has found an extra gear of pace playing at the back. His time in the halves has served him well as he often joins into the attack with a deft touch of the ball.
11. Darius Boyd (Knights)
Boyd had an extremely slow start to the season that would have seen him placed much lower on this list, however, since the Origin period kicked in Boyd’s form has received a much needed shot in the arm.
He has been excellent the past month and seems to be combining well with the Knights’ new halves pairing.
10. James Tedesco (Tigers)
The unlucky Tigers fullback has been ruled out for the season, but not before drawing comparisons to Billy Slater and being mentioned as a NSW bolter.
His lightning pace and ability to offer ball playing have excited Tigers and NRL fans alike, he would have ranked much higher had injury not restricted him to just eight games this season.
9. Josh Dugan/Adam Quinlan (Dragons)
Dugan was playing fantastic football before his shift to the centres (which has seen his excellent form continue), but with Dylan Farrell’s return imminent Dugan will revert to fullback.
But Quinlan has been exceptional and is a different style of player to Dugan. He’s less aggressive and physical but substitutes this with exceptional pace, a great slight of hand and a knack of finding gaps.
Combined, the two have done a great job for the Dragons in 2014.
What do you think Roarers? Do you agree with the list so far? Are some of these fullbacks unlucky not to make the top eight fullbacks of 2014? Make sure to check out the top eight fullbacks on Tuesday!
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