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All the talk leading up to the opening round of the NRL season has been about a certain fullback’s alleged indiscretions and when he’ll play again.
One of the saddest parts about this whole saga is that there are some tantalising match-ups between some of the games’ most exciting fullbacks flying under the radar.
These are the guys that can swing a game in their team’s favour with a moment of brilliance and hopefully come Monday they’ll be hogging the headlines.
Billy Slater v Darius Boyd
The Storm will be mighty relieved that Billy the Kid is staying put for another three years for a host of reasons. Not least of all that you’d hate to play against him unless you’re a New Zealander.
Slater had an incredible 2008 and he’s said himself that ‘that pass’ isn’t going to change the way he plays which is great news for fans. Boyd on the other hand comes into this one having already won the battle to become the Dragons custodian and will be looking cement himself in his favoured spot.
Slater’s ability to marshal his sides defensive line is often overlooked and he’ll have the edge over the less experienced Boyd in this department, which alone could prove the difference between the two teams.
And at the other end of the park his telepathic combinations with the likes of Smith, Cronk and Inglis will have it all over the ones Boyd is still be developing. Slater and the Storm to get up comfortably.
Karmichael Hunt v Matt Bowen
The one-time Queensland fullbacks are now more likely to be battling it for the utility spot on the Maroons bench given Slater’s recent form. They can both take solace from the fact the Maroons selectors aren’t averse to picking their side on current form so they could still be in with a shot.
Hunt’s physical approach will see him looking to hit holes out wide from Lockyer’s passes and his one-on-one defence is up there with the best of them.
Bowen might be a touch tentative considering his last game was in round eight last year but it shouldn’t take him long to become a nuisance in and around the ruck again. Hunt and the Broncos will have the size and edge out wide and on the scoreboard at full-time.
Preston Campbell v Kurt Gidley
Two of the most mercurial men in league, they’ll both start at fullback but will pop up at dummy half, first receiver, second receiver and basically everywhere else at some stage.
Unfortunately for Gidley he’ll be doing it all out of necessity while Campbell has the luxury of picking and choosing his moments that will be the difference. Gidley will be more visible throughout the match but the little man’s effectiveness will see his team over the line. It’s going to be a long, hard year for Gidley.
Anthony Minichiello v Rhys Wesser
If it was still 2006 then this would be the custodian battle of the round, but it’s not and both players will see season 2009 as a fresh start. Minichiello must just be hoping to get through the season unscathed after two years of injury interruptions while Wesser will be hoping that he can find his old form at his new club.
Both will know that barring an injury epidemic their Origin careers are all but over so they’ll be free to concentrate on landing another premiership ring even if it’s a bit fanciful.
Tough one to call but Minichiello should be just that little bit hungrier in a stronger outfit.
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