Top five current fullbacks in Super League

Over the coming weeks we will be taking a look at the top five Super League players in each position as we move towards the 2023 season.

The first installment features possibly the most important position in rugby league currently – fullback.

Some of the best players to play in Super League have played in this position such as Paul Wellens and Kris Radlinski, with the current crop of number ones a real collection of talent.

The modern fullback has to possess an array of skills to be elite in their position, with it becoming increasingly important for them to have a passing game as good as a half-backs.

Here are the top five fullbacks in Super League currently, in our opinion…

5. Matt Dufty

Although Dufty only joined at the latter stage of the 2022 season, he still showed glimpses of his talent in an underperforming Warrington Wolves side. In only six appearances he scored five tries and set up another three as he found his feet over in England. With a full pre-season and a revamped pack, Dufty looks likely to rise higher on this list in 2023 as Wire look to make it back to the playoffs.

4. Sam Tomkins

If this list was made at the start of the 2022 season, then Tomkins would have been number one after winning his second Man of Steel award and helping Catalans to their first ever Grand Final. But the England captain suffered a dip in form during the 2022 season as the Dragons failed to build on their success of the previous years and couldn’t make another run for a maiden Grand Final win. Now 33, Tomkins is in the twilight of his career but his performances in the World Cup show he can still be a top class fullback.

3. Jack Welsby

Jack Welsby hasn’t had much luck when it comes to playing his favoured position of fullback, with injuries to other players meaning he spent more time in the halves than at number one. However, he is still one of the best players in Super League and in the few opportunities he has played at fullback, he has shown why he is such an elite talent. With a strong kicking game and excellent vision as a passer, he possess all the qualities to be a top fullback. If the rest of his Saints team mates can stay fit in 2023, then Welsby could be set for a Man of Steel type season under the guidance of Paul Wellens.

2. Tui Lolohea

Lolohea had arguably his best season in Super League in 2022 and helped Huddersfield to the Challenge Cup final in which they were narrowly beaten by Wigan Warriors. Scoring five tries and providing a monster 29 assists, Lolohea laid the platform for what was a positive season for the Giants. With Jake Connor signed for the 2023 season, it will be interesting to see if Lolohea stays at fullback or if he moves to the halves where he plays for Tonga.

1. Jai Field

Field was the standout Super League fullback in 2022 as he made the Dream Team for the first time. Blessed with electric pace, Field tore teams apart throughout the season scoring 20 tries and providing 24 assists, but his most impressive stat is 30 line breaks which was the most in the league. Still only 25, the speedster is only just coming into his prime and his partnership with Bevan French will continue to grow as they look to knock Saints off the top of the ladder.