With the 2023 NRL season kick-off looming closer, The Roar is counting down until the footy starts with a ranking of each position on the field.
Not just who had a great 2022, but those that are the best in their role as we gear up for the new season.
We are kicking off the series with arguably one of the most important roles in the footy team – Fullback.
1. James Tedesco (Roosters)
It was hard to fathom how there was noise about him not being the Kangaroos’ number one.
After six seasons at the Tigers, Teddy has cemented his spot as one of the greats since his move to Bondi in 2014.
Still one of the top players in any position, Teddy scored thirteen tries, had a hand in another 16, and averaged 184 running metres as well six tackle breaks and 34 offloads during his 24 games in 2022.
Sometimes you would swear there were three of him out on the field. The Dally M Fullback of the Year just seemed to be everywhere, in everything, and lead from the front while killing it out the back, in both attack and defence.
An Origin veteran. A Kangaroo champion. A premiership winner. Captain of club, state and county. Not much room left on the resume.
2. Dylan Edwards (Panthers)
Many Edwards fans will be screaming that he does not get the No.1 spot.
After six years in the top grade, the 26-year-old has become known for being one of the hardest working and reliable fullbacks in the game.
During his 25 appearances in 2022, the Clive Churchill Medal winner Edwards was brilliant and extremely entertaining to watch. He averaged 192 running metres and 19 runs per game and was safe as houses under the high ball.
He is just behind Tedesco in offloads with 17 and five behind in line breaks with 13. Edwards crossed for nine tries and made 13 try assists.
His future looks so bright and he will only get better. Edwards is bloody amazing. Just so good under the high ball. But also, sits second for now to the great Teddy.
3. Latrell Mitchell (Rabbitohs)
Some call him Trell Mit, others call him Trell Milk.
Love him or hate it, there is a lot of talent coming out of the Bunnies number one, and there is a reason the club did everything they could to lock him down until the end of 2027.
Able to create something out of nothing, he can inspire his teammates on a whim.
There were question marks regarding whether Souths would even make the finals while Mitchell was sidelined with injury. But they looked like a different side once he returned and ended up one game shy of back-to-back grand finals.
He scored seven tries with 20 assists, but would be accused of being lazy or going missing at times, and has a few issues with the whistle, costing his team 21 penalties.
If he could get his attitude under control, he could top this list for sure. But Bunnies fans love his attitude, and wouldn’t have him any other way.
(Photo by Bradley Kanaris/Getty Images)
4. Tom Trbojevic (Sea Eagles)
Even without much game time, this guy remains up the pointy end.
Turbo was close to untouchable in 2021, winning both Dally M Player of the Year and Fullback of the Year awards.
He scored 28 tries – five were bundled into hat-tricks – along with 28 try assists. He averaged 208 running metres and 33 line breaks, and if it wasn’t for a season shoulder injury in Round 11 this season, who knows what could have been.
He has been a joy to watch at state and national level, and as long as he can stay healthy, will remain one of the premier fullbacks of this era.
5. Clint Gutherson (Eels)
The Eels fans just love their King!
Guther-ino had another top year at Parramatta and guided his team to the grand final. It’s hard to believe this was his tenth season in the top grade, and the 28-year-old still manages to go just hard and never seems puffed during his post-match interviews.
He played the most games out of the top ten fullbacks this year with 28, scored the most tries with 15 had the second most try assists with 19 and was way out in front for offloads on 37.
Averaging 130 running metres and 3 tackle busts is where he just slipped behind, and he was also the costliest fullback on this list when it came to errors, with 35.
And came ever so close to grand final glory. Maybe next year?
6. Scott Drinkwater (Cowboys)
This guy was a big reason for North Queensland’s success this year.
After finally securing the fullback spot during the season, Drinky grabbed it with both hands and never let go.
In his fourth year at the Cowboys, the 26-year-old topped the fullbacks on this list for try assists with 21 and also scored eleven of his own.
He averaged eleven runs and 116 running metres, three tackle busts and managed eleven offloads.
His versatility comes in handy, and his speed and safety under the highball is why he makes this list.
7. Ryan Papenhuyzen (Storm)
Geez, this guy is like lightning.
After five seasons at the Storm, Paps is one of the most electric and elusive fullbacks of the game.
Another star who was struck down with injury but still holds onto his title as one of the great current fullbacks.
Only playing 14 games in 2022, he was ruled out after suffering a broken kneecap against the Raiders in Round 18. Storm coach Craig Bellamy called it “one of the most brutal NRL injuries” that he had seen in years.
While he was on the field, he caused havoc for the opposition, and the season was shaping up to be another great one. 14 tries, nine try assists, 36 tackle breaks and averaging 120 running metres.
He will come out all guns blazing for 2023 once he finally gets over his fractured kneecap.
8. Kalyn Ponga (Knights)
The times Ponga was not at his best in 2022 do not even come close to cancelling out all the times he was unstoppable over his career.
The two-time Danny Buderus Medal winner is still one of the most exciting fullbacks in the competition, who constantly puts his body on the line.
Not enough credit is given to this tough-as-nails player for the brutality he cops. While he would have loved more time on the field for his Knights, no one can deny what he produced during the Maroons series win over the Blues in Origin. Game Three alone he made 16 tackle breaks, three line breaks, ran for 262 metres, made 79 post-contact metres, got four offloads away and scored a try for fun.
Some of the best footwork in the game – rightly remains among the top ten.
9. Reece Walsh (Broncos)
Despite some off-field drama, this young gun has the potential to be phenomenal.
The 20-year-old exploded onto the scene after leaving the Broncos midway through 2021 to get a starting spot with the Warriors. He became a household name for his speed, creativity and elusiveness.
He has been part of the Maroons Origin extended squad and will no doubt feature in future 17-man team lists.
Returning to Red Hill for 2023 with a fight on his hands for the number one jersey, Walsh will be out to prove he is the right man for the job, this year and beyond.
Reece Walsh. (Photo by Bradley Kanaris/Getty Images)
10. Xavier Savage (Raiders)
This kid is going places.
After a stint on the bench and then some time on the wing, the 20-year-old grabbed his opportunity at fullback with when Ricky Stuart gave him the nod and didn’t disappoint.
He scored seven tries with seven assists during his 19 appearances and averaged 142 running meters per game, becoming a vital part of the Raiders’ success at the back end of the season.
Expect big things from him in 2023 – and for years after that.
southerner
Guest
Gutho very over- rated His missed tackles in the gf were terrible 1 on 1 misses. The worst fb display ive seen in years
Albo
Roar Rookie
Yep ! But a lot has changed in 3 years. Edwards has improved markedly as the team has improved greatly as well. Now Edwards is an integral part of this Panthers playing group.
Greg
Guest
They were trying to get rid of him at one stage https://www.smh.com.au/sport/nrl/panthers-attempt-to-squeeze-out-dylan-edwards-20190508-p51la8.html
steveng
Roar Rookie
Lets see what he does as he might change with his new contract and especially being a key player, he said that he wants the Bunnies to win the GF this year, so he has high goals :happy: as long as he’s there the Bunnies have a chance as imo in 2023 these guys have to really step it up a few notches to beat the top sides and that is right from the 1st second of R1 against the Sharks, then Panthers well that is the test, then the Roosters, Manly they should win, Storm, maybe as they nearly did last year, should beat the Bulldogs and the Dolphins should be a chance, Panthers again Broncos maybe and then Storm again, as I can really see only 60% of the top 10 games as them being certainties to win, its a hard 1st 10 rounds and the Bunnies need to be sharp and right on it from day one. Go you Bunnies :thumbup:
Chris
Guest
Mitchell is way down on others in run metres as well. As someone else above noted. So that’s another can’t be bothered part of his game. I agree that he’s as good as he wants to be, but still a better centre than a fullback. Based on previous seasons. Without someone causing him to get angry, he seems to sometimes lack motivation . Does all glory & not a lot of effort make a great fullback?
steveng
Roar Rookie
Yes, I agree that Mitchell is lacking in positional play and sometimes in defense for a FB but, he is way up there covering his negatives with his positives and in game wins, especially in crucial games, which Gutho doesn’t have. Don’t get me wrong, I consider King Gutho (as they call him :happy: ) a great player but he does drop his marbles too many times in crucial games and when he’s needed just like Mosses. Parra’s record against the Bunnies is nothing to brag about when it comes to the finals and throughout the last 3 seasons, as its just not there and it wouldn’t have been there if they played the Bunnies in the 2022 finals, as they wouldn’t made the GF. That is what I’m talking about as Gutho has done this in 2022 in R16 30-12, R22 22-0 and the only reason they made the GF is because they never played the Bunnies in the final, as this pattern was the same in 2021 and 2020.
Chris
Guest
What you’re saying Steven , is that you place zero importance on anything but scoring some tries & try assists? From anyone who plays fullback. As Mitchell ranks way lower as an effort player , defensive effort to stop tries from kicks , positional play especially. Than a lot of the listed fullbacks.
Panthers
Guest
Well, I’m not sure that that’s true? As they had a couple of chances to not re-sign Edwards. Over the last few years. I’m not sure that they saw Staines as the next full time fullback either. His best didn’t come until near the end of last season, playing fullback in NSW Cup. He seems like very much the confidence player. They didn’t keep him due to the cap. Penrith also have two other fullbacks in Turuva & Iongi. They may well see either player as the next possible fullbacks, after Edwards. After they do some time in other positions & get some first grade experience. Both are cheaper & possibly better? They’ll probably have to lose Crichton as well after next season , so there’ll be positions available.
Short Memory
Roar Rookie
Mostly agree with this ranking SG - apart from the cardinal and myrtle glasses you're wearing when comparing Mitchell and Gutherson. You say Gutherson hasn't produced results. But there's a struck match between Souths and Parra the past 3 seasons: 2020 Final table: Eels 3, Rabbitohs 6. GF: Storm / Panthers. 2021 Final table: Rabbits 3, Eels 6. GF: Panthers / Rabbitohs 2022 Final table: Eels 4, Rabbits 7 GF: Panthers / Eels
Short Memory
Roar Rookie
Fair enough. Those are impressive averages. His average run metres are less so. Edwards 192m Tedesco 184m Trbojevic 176m Gutherson 130m Mitchell 85m His LBAs and TAs are mostly contributed down the left edge - where he could contribute them just as well playing as centre. He's arguably the best centre in the game. And the 6th or 7th best fullback. If you doubt the importance of run metres for a fullback, have a look at Billy Slater's career stats - he averaged 128m. He's the benchmark.
Fraser
Roar Rookie
You missed the most important part though, "on average". Mitchell only played 14 games. Mitchell: 14 games, 16 TA (Avg 1.16), 23 LBA (Avg 1.64) Hynes: 23 games, 17 TA (Avg 0.74), 24 LBA (Avg 1.04). Keary: 21 games, 21 TA (Avg 1.00), 18 LBA (Avg 0.86) Gutho: 24 games, 16 TA (Avg 0.67), 13 LBA (Avg 0.54) Teddy: 23 games, 12 TA (Avg 0.52), 14 LBA (Avg 0.61) Edwards: 22 games, 6 TA (Avg 0.27), 8 LBA (Avg 0.36)
Greg
Guest
Because he didn't, even the Panthers thought so too which is why they paid Staines half a million dollars with a view of him taking over Edwards spot. To his credit Edwarda has improved.
steveng
Roar Rookie
Tedesco on effort alone and results (as he sometimes just runs around in circles and mixes things up) has to be ranked #1 as he does it year in and year out! With Edwards, he should be put into context, Edwards is only up there because he’s got a tremendous Panthers side backing him up and whatever he does is part of the Panthers machine which magnifies his efforts way too much, while on the other hand, you have Mitchell and turbo Trbojevic (when both of these blokes are not injured) are both tremendous players that their skills boost and win games for their sides, as they just don’t have their sides machines and mechanics to utilise their talents like Edwards has and also Papenhuyzen have with the Panthers and the Storm. Tedesco imo is the best FB in the NRL and has been for at least the last 5 years, the guy just never ever stops trying and on his day is way above all FBs in the league, my rankings: 1. Tedesco – best allrounder and way ahead on 100% effort 2. Papenhuyzen – speed and skills assisted by the Storm’s side 3. Turbo and Mitchell – skills and what they bring to their sides, even though its not always utilised and they have to do it on their own 4. Edwards – a great and fit player that his skills are greatly magnified by the Panthers machine but wouldn’t be as good in any other side. 5. Ponga and Gutherson – relentless efforts and tremendous skills but haven’t produced the results 6. Drinkwater – skill, speed and opportunist with a great future 7. Savage – spasmodic skills that sometimes leads to something but usually don’t, hit and miss 8. Walsh – great skills but let’s see what he develops into especially with the Bronx
Westie
Guest
That’s all true. As those are the things that Mitchell is interested in doing . When things are going well for South’s. On the other hand, I bet I could look at all the footage of games he’s at fullback. Then find a huge amount of times that he’s been found wanting & out of position in defence. Especially when it comes to kicks in goal. So the amount of tries you cost your team at fullback, is just as important as those you assist in in attack.
Panthers
Guest
Not very long ago . Most on here said that Edwards never passed or supplied any try assists. So that view has changed.
Short Memory
Roar Rookie
Well, WW, guess you have to include the Australian and NSW selectors and coaches in that group.
Short Memory
Roar Rookie
The comment I was responding to claimed: Mitchell created more try assists and line break assist than other player in 2022, let alone fullbacks. My point? a) He didn’t. b) Those 2 conveniently chosen stats aren’t the sole measure of a great fullback.
Tony
Roar Guru
Mitchell's far too lazy and unfit for the fullback role in the modern game. Anyone with half a clue can see that. :laughing:
William W
Roar Rookie
Another one of those with no idea at all.
Pickett
Roar Rookie
Quality of fullbacks have never been higher. I agree with your ranking of Teddy and Edwards. I'd put Papenhuyzen and Gutherson ahead of Latrell. Trobojevic could be number 1 if he can stay injury free. Suaallii the bolter!