Over the past decade-or-so, we've seen the fullback role both change and increase in importance.
Fullbacks are now expected to have the ballplaying skills of halves, the running metres of forwards, and try scoring abilities of wingers.
We're in a golden age of Rugby League fullbacks. 2022 saw a number of brilliant performances in the custodial role.
Below we look at the ten best performances by fullbacks in 2022. To be eligible, the player in question must have played fullback in more games than he did another position.
Please note this is a best of 2022 list and not necessarily the best fullbacks in the game. For example, Tom Trbojevic won't feature below despite being undisputedly in the top two or three fullbacks in the game.
7. Reece Walsh
Considering how bad the Warriors were in 2022, Walsh's efforts seem almost superhuman. When grading Walsh, keep in mind this is his first full season in the top grade.
His 22 game return of two tries may not seem that impressive but he also laid on 12 try assists, broke 86 tackles and made nine line breaks in a struggling side.
Walsh was asked to do far too much considering his age and inexperience, especially considering the club signed Shaun Johnson to lead the side.
The fact Walsh, despite being in no shape to return, almost fought with sideline officials from his own club to return to the field in their Round 25 Golden Point loss, showed his mettle.
You could put the top four in any order and I would not disagree with your conclusion. There is little to choose between any of them. All excellent players.