As this seemingly never-ending off-season drags on, fans of the game are continuing to talk all things rugby league. From the draw, to away trip plans, to who is best positioned for a run in 2021.
We've decided over to take a look at the Top 10 players in each position.
Today we start with the increasingly important role of fullback.
For the purpose of this, only full-time fullbacks are considered. So for instance despite Cam Munster being a magnificent number one, he is considered a five-eighth.
These are ranked as how we see them right now. i.e. if Darius Boyd were playing, obviously his career far trumps that of say AJ Brimson, however right now I consider the Titans youngster to be the superior fullback.
The below rankings were, at times, razor thin. I had 11 I wanted in this list, so of course one player has missed out. Let us know, were we on the money?
Top TEN best fullbacks in the NRL
Top TEN best wingers in the NRL
Top TEN best centres in the NRL
Top TEN best five-eighths in the NRL
Top TEN best second-rowers in the NRL
6. Kalyn Ponga
Arguably the most debate-sparking fullback in the competition, the Knights maestro copped a barrage of unwarranted criticism in 2020. 10 tries, 14 try assists, 12 line breaks, 112 tackle breaks and 184 metres per game came from his 19 appearances.
Those 'down' numbers are stats that most players can only dream of. The only negative that came from 2020 was Ponga's habit of leaping for seemingly easily fielded kicks and losing possession. That is a weakness he'll really be required to work hard on moving forward.
The 22-year-old is a genuine star of the game despite not even reaching his peak yet. He has a career full of rep jerseys ahead. I have him one spot outside the top five fullbacks at current, however, he could also look very much at home inside the top three on another day.
If these are the current best fullbacks in the game based on pure quality when at their best then Turbo Tommy has to be 2nd best behind Teddy.
Canโt disagree with those players too much. However, if Staines can overcome his hamstring problems & got the fullback role. Heโd be going up in the top ten fullbacks list quickly.
I just wonder if Papenhuyzen may have just beaten Tedesco to the top spot in 2020? Given what he did for Melbourne & that they were the premiers & all.