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.
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.
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.
NSWelshman
Guest
Have you seen the tries Inglis has scored over the past few weeks where he HAS actually palmed off upto 5 tacklers & run the length of the field! There a re on ly a few fullbacks that run the ball back with vigor & yes Stewart is not one of them, however he more than makes up with his tactical awareness, defense & ball skills! Mini in his hey day was great but to even consider him in the same class as some of the others is a joke........something only a soccer player would contemplate!
xavialonso
Guest
Point of correction. I said "length of the field tries." Tries where he would get the ball from his own half, palm of covering defenders and score. That was him at his best. Inglis has huge room for improvement if he is to get back to his best. Huge talent but really lazy. Also the fact is Stewart's kick returns are woeful. He runs ever so weakly towards the oncoming defense and falls down and plays dead when they attempt to tackle him. For that alone he would've made a pretty good soccer player IMO.
CNS
Guest
Fair enough. But in my opinion I would prefer a fullback who stops tries and is very reliable under kicks. Mini is the best at catching bombs. Plus they need to move their team around the field in defence which he is really good at. Leave the creation and attack plans to the halves, that's why their on the field.
NSWelshman
Guest
Ummm you say Inglis doesn't score tries??? Wow you should check the stats before coming out with that! Slater is close, however Mini is not in the same class as Inglis! As for your comment about Brett Stewart then just check his stats! Mini is not even in the picture! I think you should stick to soccer...............
xavialonso
Guest
Mini in his heyday was amazing. Even though its his final year he has been playing like a man on fire. I like Stewart but he has the weakest kick returns ever. So he would not be in my top 4. Best fullbacks for 2014 are: 1. Slater 2. Mini 3. Hayne 4. Morgan. Inglis misses out because he hasnt neared his potential best. I remember a 19 year old Inglis running length of the field tries. That was his best.
Mr Brown
Roar Pro
The broad idea of the modern fullback is that they need to be just as versed in setting up tries. Mini is a fullback from another era. No kicking game and no passing game.
NSWelshman
Guest
Really? Is that why Manly is atop of the ladder? Where are the Dragons, Eels, Storm & Warriors on the ladder. Oh yes but they have better fullbacks lolol! Name one of them apart from Hayne that has the stats of Stewart this year?????
paul
Guest
I luv greg ingliss and hayne but want to see them as a senior player win a comp before I put in front of billy. On pure ability and freakishness I cant split hayne and ingliss if they were all at there peak now it would have to be slater and mini as they do it everyweek everyone forgets how good mini was at his peak
Dreamer
Guest
You have contradicted yourself in this article so many times and I am surprised it hasn't been removed just for for sheer embarrassment michael. The three fullbacks you mentioned are not even the best players in their clubs.
CNS
Guest
To all that are saying Hayne and Stewart should be in front of Mini arent looking at the broad idea of a great fullback. positionally mini is better than hayne and stewart. he is second only to Inglis for kick return meters. Their is no better fullback under a bomb than mini. Hayne is all flash, that's it. he would probably better suited to centre in my opinion.
Johnk
Guest
Buuuuuuuuuuuutttttttt.........what about B Stewart? I'm pretty sure he's been consistent this year and previous years in BOTH attack and defence. Everyone can have an opinion, it doesn't necessarily mean they're correct.
Mike Pearsall
Roar Rookie
Kudos for starting to write Michael, keep it up. In terms of any feedback you asked for though, it's very easy to try and forge your style as a writer and turn some heads simply by writing controversial pieces going against the grain for the whole 'shock' factor thing. Shock jock's are nothing new, and unless you're a well known figure not many people tend to listen to it. Try and write your next piece by offering some insight that is both interesting and well supported. Instead of going for a "that's right, I'm putting Minichello above Hayne" article, focus on why you believe Minichello is still one of the best fullbacks in the game. It's a lot more credible and interesting to read than simply going to the easy path of rustling jimmies.
Jimmy
Guest
Kris , I think you are pretty close, but Hayne just shades Slater for now . Stewart is sensational and Moylan an is incredibly consistent. The bottom line is we are blessed with some wonderful fullbacks at the moment. Incredible to watch.
Jack
Guest
I believe Hayne is over hyped, but he is still miles ahead of Mini. What your saying is if you had to pick a team to play for your life and Inglis wasn't there, you'd pick Mini?!?!?
planko
Guest
Mini is not in the top 10 ....
Mr Brown
Roar Pro
No worries Al, it's good to see some people from other codes, such as yourself, having a crack at participating in Rugby League conversation. You tried very hard young fella. Well done!
Stifler
Guest
Hard to take you seriously when Manly are on top of the comp and Brett Stewart has had a great year. He ranks 4th in try assists for the year of all players (none of your so called top 3 are ahead of him either) and 3rd in line break assists (again none of your so called top 3 are ahead of him either)...... you are kidding!!!!!!
james t
Guest
You have no idea Michael.
james t
Guest
Minichello? That's gold! Hasn't been in the top 5 for years
james t
Guest
Michael its very clear you have no idea at all. As for tomkins showing up defense.. no mate. Stewart and hayne have been the best fullbacks this year. Top full backs 1.hayne 2.Stewart 3.slater