Once again, we've put our heads together and tackled the difficult task of ranking the NRL's best fullbacks.
The role of a side's number one in modern rugby league is significant one - they organise the defence, carry them out of trouble and act like an extra half in attack.
With that in mind, it's no wonder that these blokes are often the ones taking up the biggest chunk of the salary cap.
MORE: All the latest NRL injury news
So, did we get it right?
Click here to see our rankings from this time last year
Note: Players must have played 10 games at fullback this season to qualify, ruling out the likes of Tom Trbojevic and Latrell Mitchell.
NRL fullback power rankings 2025
16. Jye Gray
Last year's ranking: N/A
The diminutive South Sydney fullback has already made a mark in first grade due to Latrell Mitchell's regular absences.
Covers the ground like a whippet, runs all day and punches above his weight when it's his turn to carry the ball out of trouble.
His physicality and ball-playing will be focus areas in his development.
15. Lehi Hopoate
Last year's ranking: N/A
The youngest player on this list, Hopoate's emergence has allowed the Sea Eagles to move Tom Trbojevic to centre as they look to build up the former Dally M winner's confidence and fitness.
Deceptively strong, brave on both sides of the ball and a supreme finisher, look for him to be vying for rep honours before too long.
14. Charnze Nicoll-Klokstad
Last year's ranking: 10 (↓ 4)
As reliable and hard-working as any fullback on the defensive end, the Warriors star hasn't had his most productive year going the other way, recording just one try and four assists.
Regardless, his tough carries and organisational skills make him a valued member of the Warriors side.
13. Isaiah Iongi
Last year's ranking: N/A
With just one game as a Panther under his belt, Iongi stepped into the starting fullback role at the Eels with aplomb.
Appears to have a solid knack of putting himself in the right spot in attack, don't be surprised to see his name on the scoresheet regularly as Parramatta continue to improve.
12. Jahream Bula
Last year's ranking: 13 (↑ 1)
It's been another tough year for the Tigers as they navigate the challenges of playing with a halves pairing which has been far from settled.
Bula, however, has continued to improve his all-round game, while his desperate defence remains a key feature.
11. Clint Gutherson
Last year's ranking: 14 (↑ 3)
The long-time Eels fullback started the season like a house on fire in his first year at St George Illawarra.
Gutherson hasn't had the same impact as the losses have mounted for the Dragons but his effort and commitment can never be questioned.
10. Will Kennedy
Last year's ranking: 17 (↑ 7)
The Sharks man is enjoying a career-best season in 2025 and actually sat second behind Luke Metcalf on the Dally M leaderboard when the votes were locked away after round 12.
Currently without a deal for next season, Kennedy's audition for a contract for 2026 and beyond, either at Cronulla or elsewhere, has been impressive.
9. Kalyn Ponga
Last year's ranking: 3 (↓ 6)
Among the toughest calls on this list, Ponga lands in the middle of the pack, despite being one of the game's most talented players.
Struggled to shoulder the playmaking load for the Knights this year before injury prematurely ended his season. More than capable of bouncing back and putting his name right at the top in future.
8. Scott Drinkwater
Last year's ranking: 6 (↓ 2)
Among the most creative fullbacks in the comp, the Cowboys man sits joint top in the NRL for try assists.
Unfortunately for him, his side's defence is the worst in the competition, and while it's a team game, Drinkwater's 44 missed tackles so far this year cost him on that front.
7. Kaeo Weekes
Last year's ranking: N/A
Not many judges were predicting the Raiders to appear at the pointy end of the ladder in 2025, but then again, not many were expecting Weekes to slot in at fullback as seamlessly as he has this season.
With pace to burn and plenty of creativity, Canberra look safe at the back for years to come, with the New South Welshman locked down through to the end of 2029.
6. Connor Tracey
Last year's ranking: N/A
An absolute workhorse who has developed into one of the game's most reliable number 1s.
Tracey leads the league in run metres and has a habit of bobbing up at the right time with a key pass to help the Dogs on their way to what looks to be a top-four finish.
5. Ryan Papenhuyzen
Last year's ranking: 11 (↑ 6)
Among the most damaging offensive players in the competition on his day, the Storm fullback's highlight reel is as good as anyone's.
Injuries have limited his impact through the second half of the year, but don't be surprised to see him cause havoc in the finals if he can get a clean run at it.
4. Reece Walsh
Last year's ranking: 2 (↓ 2)
It's easy to forget the Broncos fullback is still just 23.
Walsh has a full bag of tricks and the physical attributes to put them to use.
Another player we haven't seen hit top gear in 2025 due to injuries, Brisbane will be hoping their superstar number one is finding fitness at the right time of the year.
3. Dylan Edwards
Last year's ranking: 1 (↓ 2)
Injury and Origin duties have kept the Penrith man from really hitting his stride this year but he remains one of the most reliable custodians in the game.
Never one to shirk to tough stuff and always the hardest worker on the field, a fit and firing Edwards will be the last thing opposition sides want to see come finals time.
2. Hamiso Tabuai-Fidow
Last year's ranking: 7 (↑ 5)
To our eye, The Hammer is far and away the most exciting player to watch in the competition.
His electrifying pace turns half breaks into runaway tries and his ability to capitalise on the slightest advantage is second to none.
Currently sits on top of the try-scoring charts for 2025 and, at 23, his best footy appears to be ahead of him.
1. James Tedesco
Last year's ranking: 4 (↑ 3)
Now 32, Tedesco is showing no signs of slowing down and he continues to be the Roosters' main offensive outlet.
Leads the league in tackles breaks and is around the mark for run metres and line break assists, too.
Already contracted for next season, reports suggest the Tricolours are looking to lock him down for 2027 now as well, and, given his form this year, it's not hard to see why.