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.
5. Latrell Mitchell
I expect this to be the most hotly debated name on this list. Some will say he's too high, others will argue he's too low.
South Sydney, prior to Latrell Mitchell's return, were going nowhere. His return saw them through to a Prelim, a Prelim where they had Penrith on the ropes.
Check these stats: 17 appearances for seven tries, 61 goals, 17 try assists, 90 tackle breaks, nine line breaks and 101 metres run per game.
Some out there bemoan the fact he doesn't run for 300 metres per game. It's not his role. You give me a fullback with a three on three on the short side, ball in hand, and I'm taking Trell every day of the week.
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.