Rugby Leading Full-Backs

There is no more tactically and physically draining position on a rugby league field than that of the full-back.

As both an attacking lynchpin and defensive leader, a modern full-back has to be the complete player, filling gaps in the defence, visualising attacking options and generally reading and leading his fellow players.

Billy "The Kid" Slater, 25, who plays for Melbourne Storm and Australia, is widely regarded as the finest of the current breed. He is as lethal with the ball in hand as he is making the plethora of try-saving tackles for which he has become increasingly renowned.
Slater was named Player of the World Cup in November 2008 and was also the competition's top try-scorer with seven to underline his current dominance.

Brisbane Bronco Karmichael Hunt is perhaps the only player Down Under who can claim to be a direct contender with Slater for the title of best full-back.

Hunt is still only 22 but is widely expected to become a lynchpin of the Broncos and Australia over the next decade.

Despite being a native New Zealander, Hunt has chosen to represent Australia instead and although it has proven to be a predictably controversial decision, Hunt has not flinched at the criticism aimed at him, proving himself to be as strong off the field as he is lethal on it.

St Helens' Paul Wellens is the only real full-back in the northern hemisphere who belongs in the same category as Slater and Hunt.

A one-club man for his entire career, Wellens has scored over 650 points for St Helens in 300 appearances and won the prestigious Lance Todd award in both the 2007 and 2008 Challenge Cup finals one of rugby league's most highly-sought man-of-the-match recognitions.