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Fullback
The modern day fullback position is one of the most aerobically demanding positions in rugby league.
When one considers the amount of ground the number one has to cover over the course of an 80 minute contest; being there to support the forwards for any half-breaks; acting as the link-man in attack to create or finish off backline set plays; to make last ditch one-on-one tackles that the front line defence missed, all-the-while having the safest hands in the team to diffuse any of the oppositions attacking raids; and doing all of this at pace with repeated efforts. (Anyone else out of breath from just reading this?)
It suddenly becomes very easy to understand why the custodian is now a coveted position and a member of the spine.
It is just a damn important position.
You need someone who is fit enough to be a threat either side of the ball for the whole 80 minutes.
It’s why Billy Slater, at his peak, was so revered and has been considered by many as the best Fullback of all time.
Fortunately at the Eels, we’re in a position where we have any number of players who can fulfil this role for us.
Modern Day 1: Billy Slater in his prime epitomizes the NRL fullback
The Candidates
Bevan French
What a start to an NRL career huh?
After wowing us at the 9s with his top try scoring feats, team of the tournament honours and of course, the title itself, Bevan French earmarked himself as a talent for the future.
However, as we all know, 9s is a completely different brand of footy to the 13-a-side game and even the staunchest of Eels supporters weren’t expecting Bevan to make the mark he did in the top grade this year, let alone feature in NRL footy. However, with 19 tries in 13 games French proved to be one of the NRL’s most exciting players by year’s end.
His instinctive skills and positioning; finishing abilities; and speed made him a joy to watch. So much so that Blue and gold supporters were saying ‘Jarryd who?’ come the fulltime siren of our round 26 game against the Warriors.
French, who was only playing his second game in the fullback position in the NRL at the time, walked off the field with consecutive hat-tricks in as many games in the number one jersey.
Coach Brad Arthur stated in an interview not long after the match that “Bevan will be fullback” for 2017, making this a pretty cut-and-dry argument at this point in time, but that’s not to say that the number one solely belongs to him.
With only two games in the top grade in the custodian role and weighing in at only 83kg, French still has some points to prove over the summer and in the early rounds before the fullback position truly becomes his own.
Those little question marks aside, there is no doubt (injury pending) that Bevan French will be our number one for all of 2017, further cementing himself as one of the NRL’s genuine game breakers.
Strengths: Blinding speed, evasive footwork, genuine try scoring threat.
Areas of Development: Physical size/relative strength; potential body recovery.
Highlights: View here
Because enjoy, that’s why!
Try Scorer: Bevan French’s 19 tries in 13 games was impressive in 2016
Josh Hoffman
It’s not often that you find yourself in a position where you can add a first grader with the experience of Josh Hoffman to your squad. However, that’s exactly what happened at Parramatta at the beginning of the 2016-17 off-season.
With 158 games to his name (92 of which have been played at fullback), Hoffman is a smart acquisition for our club. Possessing the ability to play a multitude of positions across the backline, the former New Zealand International brings a body that is used to the rigours of week to week NRL.
Although likely to find himself in a position other than the number one, Hoffman’s experience was no doubt purchased as an insurance policy in case Bevan French goes down or isn’t physically up to the demands of fullback week to week.
A very handy second choice who’s accustomed to the position, Josh will no doubt help Bevan with plenty of the donkey work that goes unnoticed in the modern day fullback position. Look for Hoffman to spend time defending behind the line and returning plenty of opposition kicks from the fullback position in 2017.
Strengths: Experienced, International player, donkey work.
Areas of Development: Hasn’t settled on one position, more of a finisher than a noted ball player.
Highlights: View here
Excuse the trip down memory lane, but this is probably Josh Hoffman’s best game at fullback in first grade.
Dynamic: Josh Hoffman can cover a number of positions across the backline, including fullback
Will Smith
While not a household name like his Hollywood counterpart, Will Smith is a useful option for the number one position for Parramatta in 2017.
He showed in 21 games at Penrith (11 of which were played from fullback) that he can handle the top grade, if called upon.
Fleet footed with subtle hands, Smith chimes into the backline well, demonstrating in limited first grade opportunities that he can match it with the big boys.
Although unlikely to feature prominently in NRL footy, Eels fans can rest easy with the knowledge that our 2017 squad has NRL quality depth and fullback is no exception.
Strengths: Footwork, soft hands, NRL finals experience.
Areas of Development: Size, behind more established players in the position.
Highlights: View here
Take note of the tries scored at 1:06 & 1:36, classic fullback play.
Strong Depth: Will Smith rounds out a number of fullback options for the Eels in 2017
Clint Gutherson
We all know this man will start in the number six come round 1 (pending injury), but it’s not unrealistic to think that Gutherson isn’t a genuine option for the number one jersey.
Hypothetically (*knocks on wood*), there may be a world where Bevan French, Josh Hoffman and Will Smith aren’t available.
With no other fullback depth at our disposal in this isntance, it’s not remiss to think Gutherson may move to the number one, with Jeff Robson or Jamal Fogarty to come into the halves.
Of all the players in our squad, he’s probably the most well credentialed to play a full season of NRL at fullback in the blue and gold.
And why?
When it comes to our style of play, Gutherson is strong enough to ruck it out and do the donkey work AND skilful enough to chime into the backline and not overplay his hand in set plays.
For me, at present, he is the one that would fit in best with the BA Parramatta structure.
However, with our playmaking stocks depleted and the emergence of Bevan French, Gutherson finds himself in the unfamiliar position of first choice five-eighth.
One should never say never when it comes to rugby league, particularly when it comes to the Eels, but it is unlikely Gutherson will find himself playing fullback in 2017 unless there’s either a) some serious injuries or; b) a restructure to our side through tactical changes or recruitment.
That being said, if the situation calls for it, we all know the Guthbus won’t let anyone down. After dominating junior grades and junior rep teams in the position, Clint is very familiar to the number one jersey and certainly showed plenty in his 40 minutes there during our Round 9 victory against Canterbury Bankstown in 2016.
Strengths: Physicality, playmaking, good both sides of the ball.
Areas of Development: Not as strong at finishing movements as other fullback options.
Highlights: View here
Although he’s not a fullback in this clip, who doesn’t love the in and away he puts on Hopoate at 47:14?
If you care to watch the second half of that game (and I know you do), you’ll see some of Gutherson’s great fullback work.
Another one: Although unlikely to play fullback, the custodian position is not unknown to Clint Gutherson
Over to you Eels fans, what do you think our potential fullbacks bring to the table?
Clint
All images courtesy of the Parramatta Eels, NRL.com and Getty Images.
Nice piece Clint. Looking forward to your other articles.
It’ll be interesting to see how Champagne changes with more bulk and a full season ahead of him.
It’s a fine line isn’t it? Putting weight on a natural like French. Will be interesting to see his starting weight in 2017.
Thanks Trouser & Anon.
Absolutely, it’s a fine line. That’s why relative strength is so important in rugby league and in particular to someone like Bevan French.
If he puts on too much weight, it’ll affect his speed and footwork too much. If he doesn’t put on enough, he’ll be rag-dolled quicker than you can say Brett Hodgson at Origin.
However, from what I’ve seen so far, he looks to be striking the right balance and heading in the right direction.
As a regular reader and a first time respondent, I must say this series of articles will be a must read by all Parraholics if the first one is any guide.
Keep up the good work….great stuff!
Thank you so much for your kind words Richard and taking the time to comment.
I look forward to producing more of them, stay tuned!
Clint, thanks for this series of articles and should keep you busy at the keyboard, well put together, and now have to read your introductory one.
The list of #1 options has a lot of potential, and certainly puts a different meaning to a coaches dilemma and options available for BA for that spot. The battle will be a wonderful one and who comes out on top and seals the position will really add to the list of quality 1’s of the past that has taken that jumper and called their own.
Colin, you’re most welcome. As one of the regular commenters around here, it’s always a pleasure to hear from you.
Absolutely agree with your sentiments. Although French will start in the position, it’s not 100% his. He’ll have to earn it to maintain it. The fact that we have any one of Hoffman, Smith or Gutherson who can step into the position really says a lot about our depth!
Great post! Thankyou. Depth and quality here. French is about to start something special. He will be a game changer.
Agreed mate. There’s players who have that special quality that comes naturally – game sense. French has it! Quality post Clint!
Thanks Jack and Anon.
You’ve summated it perfectly – depth and quality!
I really think French can do some real damage behind the second phase play of our forwards this year. If he gets even an inch, he’ll take a mile. How good is blistering speed?!
Trying to be unbiased … I think Hunt at half, Gutho at fullback and French on the wing is our best formation – in 2018. For 2017, we don’t have a lot of choice. Got to start with French at fullback and Gutherson in the halves, but not sure that will get us deep into the semi finals.
Go down to training and watch jimbo and i reckon you will retract your whole statement mate , this is the best squad at parra in a long long time , depth defines seasons more than anything else , 2017 is the season we are in and that will define 18 and the recriutment needed but get down to training mate and make your judgements then !!
Let’s not get too far ahead of ourselves Jimbo, 2017 still has to unfold first and as Bubbles has alluded to, if you head down to Old Saleyards, I think you’ll be pleasantly surprised with the headway French is making and how our squad looks in general.
He’ll absolutely be a better physical specimen come 2018, but with a forward pack that will be able to get over the advantage line consistently in 2017, French and Gutherson might have all the space they need to create and finish. I’m Big Kev excited to see how it plays out!
I am of the belief that Bevan’s biggest problem for 2017 may be, and I say this with the hope that it will not happen, again may be the 2nd year thingy. Much of which I believe is often phycological as the player wants to not just repeat his break in season but to better it, some may also see the competition for that spot being too much to handle or take it as a challenge to really step up.
My concern though is not just with the player or players themselves but some fans who all but are writing the eels off before a real ball has been kicked owing to our half’s position and Gutherson not being able to fill the 6 spot, which I believe begs a question as to why the negativity in that regard? For a player that lifted himself from the terrible first few games that were his audition to them play in pretty well every backline position, even the 7 spot without that number proved his worth and abilities to all who watched with clear glasses.
I have the feeling that the Norman and Gutho combo may well prove most of these pundits wrong, the slightest slip though will see them pounced on.
The overall playing roster is the best I have seen with the club for some time now, the only downside is that several of them will be possibly playing their last season at the club, some owing to their age and others the consiquence of others coming through. Maybe the team by mid year will surprise everyone with how well they have gone and sit on the table, and just who is in the top 17.
Bevans strengths are as you stated clint but the one you omitted is his ability to read whats happening before it does and arrive where and when he should, thats just sheer footy nouse! First player at this club in a long long time to bring it to the table and that includes jarhead,he made his own plays special but this kid reads and makes others plays turn out special !!!!
Too right Bubbles, only the special players have that level of anticipation. How great is it that we have this kid secured long term? I’m really looking forward to see what he does with some space infront of him in 2017.
Firstly, a huge thanks to Clint for this post and the upcoming series. Incredible quality.
Secondly, the recruitment of Hoffman is incredibly significant. It provides the club with a quality Plan B should Frenchhave difficulty in his second year of first grade. I think it’s unlikely that he will, but what an outstanding fall back position.
Thanks 60s, your comments always humble me. You’d know better than anyone that depth is the theme across this position and many more at the club. How shrewd our recruitment strategy has been!
Apart from the obvious qualities of Bevan, the speed and elusiveness. What really excites me about him is his instinctive play. All of the best players have it. Just play what is in front of them.
When talking of Gutho as a back up FB the other thing that he brings to that position is that he is probably the best one on one tackler in the club, certainly the busiest one on one tackler at the Eels.
Unless something happens as Clint says Bevan will be the FB for 2017 and I cant wait to see how he responds in his second season in the top grade.
Have to agree about Gutho’s defence – absolutely outstanding defender!
Preach it John! Bevan is just one of those guys who knows where to be and when to be there. As his 2016 highlights illustrate, it’s a joy to watch!
Superb work Clint. I could watch all these clips again and again….maybe not the Hoff one as he killed us that night, but seeing R Stuarts grimace was funny.
Cheers mate. Gutho 5/8. French fullback with Hoff swapping at times. Smith has v good evasive skills and needs some more strength for defence. But he’s a v good buy.
Thanks Mitchy, you and me both! The silver lining of the Hoffman highlights is that it shows us what he can do, should he be called upon (and how far we have come in three years time).
We really are spoiled for choice. Imagine being the coaching staff, this is a great problem for them to have!
Thought Jamal Foggharty would be a possible candidate. In the highlights reel he seemed to spend as much time at fullback as anywhere else. Would be behind the players you have mentioned. Comes from a strong competition. Great article