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The NRL's top three fullbacks

Roar Rookie
18th August, 2014
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Billy Slater is one of the Storm's best ever, but will injuries end his career? (Image: AAP)
Roar Rookie
18th August, 2014
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1239 Reads

This is a hotly debated topic among most NRL fans, and I’m going to put my two bob in as well – the top three fullbacks of the NRL in 2014.

My top three is not just based on performances, it includes effort and leadership. I won’t be taking into account State of Origin.

3. Billy Slater
I had a very hard time picking Slater for number three. He hasn’t hit the form I was expecting of him this year, but he has still been outstanding more often than not. Of course that’s made easier since he plays with Cooper Cronk and Cameron Smith.

Slater possesses amazing natural talent, which has progressed immensely under Craig Bellamy. The Storm without Slater lack creativity and energy. He brings a lot to the team and he is a game changer at all levels.

With the finals approaching, we all are hoping Slater hits form and hits it with a bang. A showdown between Storm and Souths is a mouthwatering prospect but it’s more the battle within the war, Slater versus Inglis – two champion fullbacks, ex-teammates and premiership winners.

The finals series will be alive when these two hit the field. One of them will be lifting that trophy come grand final day.

2. Anthony Minichiello
This guy is the heart an soul of the Roosters – I’m sure under his skin there is another layer of blue, white and red.

No one can question the ability, leadership and out-and-out brilliance of Mini. His durability after a horror run of injuries is astounding.

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I was fortunate to grow up being able to marvel at his freakish talent and blinding speed. Although his speed may be on the decline his freakish ability is not, he still takes the ball full flight and plucks it from his ankles. The Australian cricket team would love him in the slips.

2014 may not be his most outstanding season, but it will be his last. While he has admirably switched between fullback and wing to help blood his apprentice, he gives the Roosters a stability no one else can.

The Count fills the Roosters with belief, which James Maloney and Mitchell Pearce feed off. He controls the largest, meanest forward pack in the NRL all from 30 metres behind the action. He is the only one who can lift the Roosters enough for back-to-back premierships.

2402 run metres, 47 tackle breaks and 13 tries, accompanied by his impeccable leadership qualities is why he is number two for me.

1. Greg Inglis
The Bunnies’ main man would feature in 90 per cent of people’s top five fullbacks. Inglis has been immense for the Rabbitohs this year and will surely be a key figure for them come finals time.

Inglis is either in the top ten or is very close to that in majority of statistics throughout the game, however his leadership on the field is a key reason why Souths are looking like a well-oiled machine once more. He gives the Bunnies a much needed sense of direction.

The speed, the strength, this guy has it all and uses it to his full potential. A lot of people will say he is only playing off the back of a brilliant forward pack, but let’s not forget that the forward pack is consistently on the front foot from the back three’s kick returns.

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Round 8 against the Broncos is a perfect example of this, with Inglis streaking down field after beating seven Broncos players.

His defence is just as good as his attack, I’m sure everyone remembers the remarkable tackle and strip on a flying Akuila Uate.

Inglis saves as many tries as he scores and is always there when the big plays need to be made.

Put together, this makes Inglis a scary prospect for any team to combat, which is why he gets the number one position for 2014.

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