The South Sydney Rabbitohs have had their fair share of changes in the fullback position this season.
The options of Jye Gray, Matt Dufty and Latrell Mitchell have allowed Souths to trial different combinations to find the right fit.
It has become evident, despite Wayne Bennett's eyebrow-raising selection for this weekend, that Gray is the Rabbitohs best fit at the back.
Matt Dufty was the dominant fullback when both Gray and Mitchell were injured and was given an extended run with Gray returning from injury. However, Jye Gray's form over this season has cemented his spot as the Rabbitohs ' starting fullback.
The 22-year-old has become one of the Bunnies' most serious attacking threats across the field, even through his short time on the wing. Gray averages the season with an impressive 148 running metres per game, totaling 2231 running metres for the regular season. He also has six try assists, four tries, nine line breaks, and 60 tackle breaks. This makes him a genuine threat for other teams when they may focus on other players.
Jye Gray was given his chance as a utility player for Souths; however, he quickly made his presence known with his impressive footwork and speed. As one of the smaller fullbacks in the competition, Gray is able to make try-saving tackles when it's needed the most.
His performances were so impressive that the young fullback made his way on to the Dally M leaderboard before his AC joint injury in Round 6. The injury came at an unfortunate time for Gray as he was starting to establish himself in the number one jersey.
However, when Gray returned in Round 10, he demonstrated why Wayne Bennett had so much faith in him, at the time, anyway. His pure ability to inject himself into the attacking play and create opportunities for his teammates is among the best.
The combination of Gray and Cody Walker has proved to be lethal for opposition teams to deal with. The two are able to work alongside each other and create a dominating attack. Cody Walker is excellent at exploiting space, and with the option of Gray as an attacking threat, South Sydney's try opportunities increase.
Matt Dufty has been a great signing for South Sydney and has provided depth when the Bunnies needed it the most.
But that's where it should stop heading in to the finals.
The veteran fullback sparked his career back up by signing with Souths originally in their NSW Cup top 30 roster.
Dufty wasn't introduced into the first team until Gray sustained an injury, but he rose to the occasion and proved to be extremely valuable for South Sydney.
Dufty offers experience that Gray is yet to have in first-grade. The former St George Illawarra Dragons and Warrington Wolves player impressed Wayne Bennett with his style of football, a style that Bennett wanted for his team.
As the Rabbitohs start to build their squad around winning premierships over the next few seasons, Dufty's age becomes a part of the conversation as the fullback will be 31 years old next season. As the fullback position is a physically demanding spot, Dufty will be competing for the position against a player nearly 10 years younger than him.
So too does Dufty's defence, which has proven susceptible at times, and could be shown up again by Newcastle's attacking weapons on Friday evening.
Latrell Mitchell is the other option for South Sydney, a position he has dominated since his arrival at the Rabbitohs in 2020. The powerful star started in the fullback position at the start of the year, but due to an ongoing back injury and calf strains, Mitchell was sidelined for 14 weeks.
However, Mitchell made his return to the field in Round 26, which raised questions for Gray's spot at fullback. Latrell moved back into the centres, moving Tallis Duncan into the second row.
The club has since left Mitchell in the centres as he provides a powerful and damaging force for any team's defence with a more attacking role. As he is still coming back from a long-term injury, the threat of Mitchell for teams in his representative position may leave opposing teams vulnerable.
The combination of Gray at fullback, Mitchell at centres and Dufty on the interchange bench could prove to be the perfect solution for South Sydney. Mitchell can stay in the centre position whilst Gray can continue to develop his game at fullback. Dufty can provide the depth for Souths, which has proved to be a reliable option for the Bunnies.
The future for Jye Gray is extremely promising, as the star is young; if he continues in his current form, his career in the NRL will continue for many years. The Rabbitohs have a spine full of experienced players such as Cody Walker, Latrell Mitchell and Campbell Graham. A young, capable player beside them is exactly what South Sydney needs.
Gray has already accumulated 47 appearances and 16 tries since making his debut for South Sydney in 2024. With his current statistics this season, Gray isn't just surviving in the fullback position; he is thriving.
There is no denying that South Sydney have elite choices for the fullback position: Dufty has proven he can perform at NRL level, Mitchell is one of the best players in the competition, and he has previously excelled at fullback.
If South Sydney want to build for the future, Jye Gray is the best option at fullback. As the team enters the finals, Gray has proven to be the best suitor for the number one jersey. The combinations have had time to settle, and the attacking flow South Sydney have been able to create with Gray at fullback has been lethal.
As finals have arrived, Gray has certainly earned his spot. He provides an attacking threat from the back and with his speed and footwork, he doesn't have to wait for Souths to create an opportunity; he can create one himself.
This may prove to be vital when games are close and intense; South Sydney can provide players who create tries all over the field. However, with Gray's age, does he have enough experience to take on the finals?
Finals football is vastly different to regular season football; the pressure of an elimination final will be new to the young fullback. South Sydney can't afford for Gray to be caught out of position or have a quiet game.
South Sydney can't rely on just experience to win games. Jye Gray is the best option at fullback.
