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.
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.
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.
Shane
Guest
5. Brett Stewart 4. Roger Tuivasa 3. Ben Barba 2. Billy Slater 1. Greg Inglis
phil
Guest
Opinions vary but I think GI is twice the player Hayne is but he has to want it. At the moment I dont think he does.
The spectator
Guest
Although my opinion differs a little that's well explained and personally put Hayne and GI on the same peg as with Stewart and slater your opinion is well written, only if others didn't think there opinion was THE opinion and boarder on trolling these debates could well be agree'd upon. Nice work Greg.
The spectator
Guest
I think something is burning mate best get back to the grill!
Squidward
Roar Rookie
Spot on renegade. Top list and reasoning
bbqer
Guest
Id take his word over yours champ. Have you even played the game?
Greg t
Guest
I have read so many comments about this subject in numerous articles. Let's get it straight that all four slater, Stewart, hayne and inglis are great athletes. Inglis and Hayne more so through size and strength and the ability to break tackles. Theses two are the best in the game. I feel sometimes this can be inglis undoing because he is asked to do more than warranted due to his ball carrying ability. Slater and Stewart are good tackle busters too for there size just not as good as the other two. Speed wise hayne is very fast and Stewart and inglis are quick enough to finish long range efforts. Slaters top speed has faded over time but he has the fastest acceleration over a short distance which can count for more.Stewart and hayne are also very Quick off the mark and inglis is as quick as a106kg guy can be. Timing and football brain which is never mentioned in these arguments is a huge asset! Slater without a doubt is probably the best all time. Stewart is immense, hayne and inglis much less probably because they can rely on pure strength and tackle breaking Ability. Defence well u would have to say that slater is the best over time but Stewart is very good, hayne has improved big time this year and inglis is still getting the hang of fb. For X factor u can't beat hayne followed closely by inglis with no disrespect to the other two. For dedication I would have slater and Stewart ahead of the others and I have noticed lapses from hayne and inglis over the years. Rarely will slater go missing in a game and Stewart to a smaller extent. Ball handling/ play making I think Stewart, slater and hayne are currently close to being on par. Hayne is more of a natural but Stewart and slater have improved dramatically to the point where they are the second five eight for their club and rep teams. Inglis doesn't really get these opportunities as much because he is told to run the ball. For injuries it's obvious that Stewart comes last due to his big list of absences whilst not his fault the fact is that u have to be on the field to be the best. Hayne seems a little fragile which is a worry for his coaches. Inglis and slater have had there share and slater had a slow start to this season due to his knee but he just seems to get back on the field. Inglis cops it because he runs hard at everyone so it's only a matter of time. I believe that their respective teams are not are factor because you may get more of a chance to shine on a better or crappier team depending in your point of view and fit for your team. For clutch/big game ability They are All fantastic with the odd choke/quiet game slater wc final or hayne 09 gf. Overall this seems like a very personal opinion for league lovers. For me 2014 so far as fullback it is: 1 hayne 2 slater 3 Stewart 4 inglis For me all positions all time amongst these four 1 slater (I agree with rabs and Debbie Spillane probably my best player of all time). 2 inglis 3 hayne/Stewart equal As a broncos fan can I just say Ben barba please stop being so soft and back yourself.
The spectator
Guest
If Joey said it it must be true, bwahahahaha
Loki
Roar Rookie
Its a bit early for Milford considering his defence is horrible at times but he is coming and if he can keep up last weeks form ! it will be interesting to see how the last 8 rds pan out as i think Hayne started the year well and for 40 min<s same with stewart only to get injuredAGAIN but has been on another planet if he played for Parra for awhile now and Slater has been slow then back to normal and now to catch up with the other 2. All great players and some silly bloggers!!
Alex L
Roar Rookie
List massively overrates attack over defence, Milford doesn't belong in the top 8 -- can't catch a cold and can't make tackles if someone breaches the line.
The Spectator
Roar Guru
BTW Rene is your top ten on this years form?
The Spectator
Roar Guru
P P, After his treatment by media and the noticable shunt in broadcasting from 09 ill stick up for him and call it how it is, im not here to play to the mass's, dont you have a team to coach somewhere!!
The spectator
Guest
Its easy to get caught up in ones try scoring ability's but it was missing out on that selection that saw Slater having to try and fine tune all the other areas Stewart excels in, If Stewart can remain injury free for a while it come back to that next level thats elluded him since 09. Mini is a ball runner surviving on incumbuncy. If you wanted to believe reports in 08, Stewart best in the world could possibly be of all time, His the best ive seen and if not this year to date very close so not bad for a bloke who should never of returned from his 3rd knee reconstruction!!! The quality of Stewart and Slater is the last decades best highlight, i hope its Manly V Mel Grand final if Manly can get there.
Renegade
Guest
Cheers EJ, Even though i'm in awe of G.I at times, i think the talk of him being the premier player in the game is premature.... he isn't even the best in his position yet. That said, we are certainly in an era of unbelievably talented fullbacks.... just being named in the top 10 is an achievement.
bbqer
Guest
Strongly agree Squidward. He couldn't even make the Origin team or the kangaroos team either but he's the best player that has ever walked. hahaha Dream on
bbqer
Guest
If you wrote a sensible question or statement you might get a sensible reply.
eagleJack
Guest
Agree with that analysis Renegade
Renegade
Guest
Spectator, I rate Stewart in the top 5 without doubt mate. But you've got him down as the best fullback for 5 years straight between 04-08... that's a massive stretch. Firstly, 2008 - Billy Slater was awarded the Golden Boot for best player in the world... goes without saying he was easily the best fullback. 2006-2007 would again by debateable with Billy around. 2004-2005 - without doubt in my mind that Minichello was the best fullback in the league. No doubt Stewart is an exceptional fullback and will likely go down as a great for the manly club but his not the best in the game. My top 10 would be: 1. Slater 2. Hayne 3. Stewart 4. Inglis 5. Tomkins 6. Milford 7. Tedesco 8. Boyd 9. Gordon 10. Morgan/Moylan At the start of the year, i would have had Barba in my top 10 but he has really fallen off since 2012..
eagleJack
Guest
Mature comeback. You're new round here huh I admire Brett Stewart for what he has achieved in the game. Just like I respect Hayne and Slater for what they have done. And you might want to check again on the Origins. Now trot along
Paulipaul
Guest
Eaglejack hahaha you love Stewart more than a teenage girl loves justin bieber. ..He is nothing more than a brett Hodgson type I'm sorry to break your heart...nothing wrong with brett Hodgson..He played more origins than your love brett "overrated" Stewart