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.
4. Clint Gutherson
Clint Gutherson is the most underappreciated fullback in the competition. No one cops more unfair criticism whilst missing out on plaudits.
The King played 28 games in 2022. He crossed for 15 tries, set up 18 tries, broke the line 15 times, broke 89 tackles and ran for 152 metres per game.
You put those stats against any other on this list and tell me why he's not a top five fullback in 2022, and perhaps overall?
Yes he can find a highlight reel error but everything negative he produces is offset three times over by positive plays.
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.