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.

8. Ryan Papenhuyzen

For the second season in a row Ryan Papenhuyzen was on track to being the player of the season prior to cruel injuries. As a fan I feel robbed, I can only imagine how he feels.

In only 12 games this year he scored 14 tries, had nine try assists, broke 36 tackles and made 13 line breaks. If he plays more games he's top three here without doubt.

The Storm never really looked the same post Pap's injury. He was so important to everything that they did in the early season.

Prior to his season being ended he was on track to enjoy a career best season. Considering his efforts to date, that says a lot.

1 COMMENT

  1. 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.

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