Fullbacks these days are flashy, speedy and more often than not, game heroes. The likes of Jarryd Hayne, Billy Slater, Josh Dugan and Lachlan Coote are considered the stars of our game, while veterans like Preston Campbell are never forgotten for their true grit and guts out the back.
In the lead up to the NRL grand final, there is one particular fullback, however, that has shown outstanding courage in both defence and attack to help his team make it all the way.
Anthony Minichiello was once considered the best fullback in the game, with many critics expecting him to one day become the very best. At a time when Darren Lockyer was still racing around in back play, Minichiello put the greatest names to shame with his exciting youth and talent.
Unfortunately a string of season-ending, and quite devastating, injuries saw the Minichiello legacy fade quickly and he was soon replaced by the up and coming youngsters of the game.
After a long-awaited return to playing consistent top grade this season, Minichiello started on the wing, seeing his fullback spot go to Todd Carney. However, it was not long before injuries saw a reshuffle in the team structure and the Count was back in his coveted position.
If there is one player who goes under-looked for his talent, his courage and his safety and security, it is Anthony Minichiello.
The man produces try-saving tackle after try-saving tackle, runs like a forward and is always there when needed. His displays in the last few weeks may not be as freakish as the likes of his teammates, but he has been there ensuring the Roosters keep on winning.
If there is one player who can change the outcome of the grand final come Sunday, it is Minichiello.
In fact, it is not hard to go as far as saying that if Minichiello had never of been injured Slater may not currently hold the Australian fullback position. If Mini never fell to the horror run, Kurt Gidley may never have been NSW fullback and maybe not even captain.
It’s funny to think that if one player had never have been sidelined, the whole face of rugby league could be very different.
This is why the man to watch next week is not necessarily Todd Carney, Mitchell Pearce or Shaun Kenny-Dowall.
But perhaps it’s the man with the number one on his back – Anthony Minichiello.
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