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Ranking the NRL's fullbacks: Part Two

14th July, 2014
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Hayne will turn up in Blue. (AAP Image/Dan Peled)
Roar Guru
14th July, 2014
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Having established the unlucky fullbacks to miss out on top eight selection for 2014 on Monday, we now delve into the NRL’s elite.

Who will be number one? Read on to find out.

8. Sam Tomkins (Warriors)
Tomkins has continued to improve in 2014 and is beginning to replicate his scorching form from the English Super League.

While tries have been hard to come by for Tomkins he has a knack for finding space and his wonderful tip-ons have created countless opportunities for his outside men. He as also been solid in defence and under the high ball.

7. Anthony Minichiello/Roger Tuivasa-Sheck (Roosters)
The one-two punch combo of Minichiello and Tuivasa-Sheck in defence and attack respectively has served the Roosters well in 2014.

Tuivasa-Sheck has dazzled defenders with his fleet of foot and he has developed his passing game well. Minichiello has been sensational in defence and safe as ever under the high ball, reverting to the wing in attack he has also picked up a handful of tries.

6. Anthony Milford (Raiders)
Milford has been the sole shining light of a dismal Raiders 2014 campaign. He has continued his 2013 World Cup form and seems to have defenders stuck in slow motion at times.

He has the ability to execute a perfect cut out ball or set play and step and speed to pass the defence with ease. A future super star.

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5. Matthew Moylan (Panthers)
In 2014 Moylan has established himself as not only one of the most reliable fullbacks, but one of the most influential fullbacks in the NRL.

While he rarely makes mistakes, he often makes crucial tackles, passes and has the ability to kick and act as a genuine second receiver. Also possess exceptional pace and defence and is brilliant under the high ball.

4. Brett Stewart (Sea-Eagles)
Stewart is timeless. He has retained his speed and form for a decade and continues to be a pivotal figure in a dominant Manly side.

Outstanding in defence, he provides wonderful service to his outside backs and his try-scoring feats have placed him among the all-time highest try scorers in history.

3. Greg Inglis (Rabbitohs)
He produced one of the all-time great tries against the Broncos in Round 8, beating more than seven players in a swerving 90-metre run full of pace and power.

That try is Greg Inglis epitomised – fast and powerful. He is the key player in a South’s roster brimming with talent.

2. Billy Slater (Storm)
Had Slater not started 2014 in an unusually slow fashion it is fair to say he would probably top this list such has been his form since the Origin period kicked in.

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Arguably the best fullback of the modern era Slater was excellent in a losing Queensland series and over the last month has returned to his devastating best. Should hold onto his treasured custodian role with the green and gold.

1. Jarryd Hayne (Eels)
Hayne has been utterly brilliant in season 2014. His Origin series will go down in the anals as one of the great performances from a player.

In 2014 he has discovered the key thing that has often been a criticism of the brilliant fullback throughout his career – consistency. Hayne has not had a quiet game this season and has replicated his golden 2009 run for much of the season, playing as if he is covered in spiders, with the hands of a half back and speed synonymous with his Hayne Plane moniker.

The most notable aspect of Hayne’s performances in 2014 though has been his defence. He essentially saved the Origin series for NSW with his tackle on Sam Thaiday in Game 2, and he has stopped countless certain tries playing for his beloved Eels.

He will most likely be required to bide his time behind Slater for the moment, but if he continues playing like he has in season 2014 then the NFL may indeed be his next move, I’m sure Slater and company might be hoping so.

Who has been your best fullback for this season Roarers? Has Hayne done enough to usurp Slater? Has Greg Inglis impressed you more? Is there someone else who should be featured in the top eight? Let me know.

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