Six Tackles: Super League Fullbacks of 2017
Here at Love Rugby League, we have picked out six of the stand-out fullbacks in the Betfred Super League this season.
Jamie Shaul (Hull FC)
The 25-year-old has built on his fantastic season last year with an even better one this time around. Shaul is one of the smallest players in Super League but certainly doesn’t let that bother him. He has made an average of 9.46 metres gained in each carry he has taken in this season and has also scored 15 tries in 27 Super League games for Hull.
Scott Grix (Wakefield Trinity)
Ireland international Grix has been a bargain signing for Trinity. Despite making the error that cost Wakefield against St Helens recently, he has been one of the reasons why they finished in fifth after the regular campaign. Grix has provided a level head at the back while scoring eight tries and grabbing 13 assists. At 33, it will be nice to see him have a good World Cup as it will probably be his last.
Zak Hardaker (Castleford Tigers)
A contender for the Steve Prescott Man of Steel award, Hardaker has made a huge impact since joining Castleford Tigers from Leeds Rhinos in the off-season. He seems fully focused on his rugby this season and that is evident in the stats. The England ace has 126 tackle busts, 16 clean breaks and 18 assists in Super League this year. He has really stepped it up a gear this year and his combinations with Luke Gale and Ben Roberts are impressive.
Niall Evalds (Salford Red Devils)
The 24-year-old has had another fine season for the Red Devils and you can see there is still plenty of development in him. Given the number five jersey for this year, he has played on both the wing and at fullback this term. Evalds has scored 14 tries in 19 Super League appearances while making 1664 metres. He fully deserved to sign his long-term deal with the club in June.
Sam Tomkins (Wigan Warriors)
Some say he still has a bit to go until he reaches the level he was at before he joined New Zealand Warriors but he has been very solid for the Warriors this season. If you watch Wigan actually at the game, you will notice that he is always talking to his teammates and the team play better when he’s on the field. His kicks in general play have been on point and his game management could be crucial to England at the World Cup.
Jonny Lomax (St Helens)
The England international has been pushed into a few positions this year, especially since the arrival of Ben Barba. He has played most of the games at fullback though and has been a key man for Saints, crossing eight times in 18 matches. He always seems to create something from nothing and he catches defences out with his explosive pace and has played some of his best rugby yet under Justin Holbrook.
Do you agree with our six fullbacks? Or should another player be included instead? Let us know in the comments below.
