In the world of rugby league, the strategic deployment of fullbacks is a fascinating aspect that often goes unnoticed by casual viewers. The article delves into the intriguing practice of limiting fullbacks to one side of the field, a strategy employed by several NRL teams. It highlights the case of the Canberra Raiders and their fullback, Kaeo Weekes, who has been predominantly utilized on the left side of the field this season, a stark contrast to his performance in 2025 when he was parked on the right. This shift in strategy is further emphasized by the team's overall right-side dominance in attack, with 47% of their tries coming down that edge. The analysis extends to other teams, such as the Penrith Panthers, where Dylan Edwards and Blaize Talagi are restricted to one side, with Nathan Cleary playing a more central role. The article also explores the broader trend of right-side fullback play in the NRL, with a significant shift towards this strategy post-2021. It delves into the individual performances of fullbacks, with Taine Tuaupiki of the Warriors leading the way with a remarkable 85% of his touches on the right side. The analysis continues with players like Hamiso Tabuai-Fidow, Joash Papalii, and Isaiah Iongi, showcasing the varying degrees of side dominance. The article also mentions the exceptions, such as James Tedesco and Will Kennedy, who maintain an even split of touches on both sides. The piece concludes by emphasizing the prevalence of this strategy among NRL clubs, with only a handful of teams, like the Roosters, Dragons, and Sharks, showing an even split of touches by their fullbacks. The author encourages readers to support independent rugby league content through donations, highlighting the value of quality analysis in an era of AI-generated content.
