General Xmas fun - warriors best fullback and 6

[wizard of Tauranga]

Fascinating battle at fullback with many worthy options.

Five eights - As Johnson is the leading halfback he’s ineligible for the 6. Jones played 336 games as halfback and only 12 as five eighths. In reality both would be included but as we’re finding the best in each position rather than the best team, I’ve agonised over this the last few days but made the decision that both won’t be included as five eights options.

Discuss

 

[Billyspleen75]

After excluding SJ, Maloney is the only option.

He gets the heavy PJ Marsh tax by playing in a GF side. In reality he only played well for 2 seasons then was **** in 2012.
If CHT makes a GF or puts together another 2 seasons like 2025, then he will be in front.

 

[Defence]

In an ideal world I’d play rts on the wing and McKinnon fullback but if forced to choose it has to be rts- multiple player of the years and an overall dally m to go with his fullback of the year and captain of the year all while with us.
Maloney the last man standing for 5/8 although I agree his form while here is a bit overrated- often credited with getting us to a gf but realistically we weren’t going anywhere in 2011 till Sj exploded out of the blocks.

 

[Cces]

If RTS could've been picked on the Wing, Webb would be my choice. Him sniffing around PJ, AFB, Price & Ali on attack would've been a sight.
Can't leave RTS out though

 

[Defence]

Cleary 53 games, 22 tries, 1 gf.
Wade McKinnon 54 games, 16 tries.
Cnk 69 games, 22 tries
Locke 89 games, 26 tries, 1 gf
Ridge 37 games, 8 tries
Rts 148 games, 47 tries
Webb 103 games, 39 tries

 

[Matiunz]

RTS for mine.
Probably go with a Ngamu or Simon over some of the 6 options. Maloney did great in the GF run but ruined it by his sulking 2012 and played much better at other clubs later which I think skews some views on him

 

[Defence]

leulaui 85 games, 12 tries
Nikorima 59 games, 11 tries
Cht 95 games (59 @ 5/8) 19 tries.
Maloney 75 games, 24 tries, 1 gf.
Ngamu 81 games, 11 try’s
Metcalf 34 games, 17 try’s (crazy strike rate)

 

[Inruin]

Kevin Locke - for a season or two he was close to Billy Slater levels. Made the team better. Honourable mention Brent Webb.

James Maloney - limited other options here.

 

[John Nick]

Loved the passion and energy of Wade McKinnon. Tough and uncompromising .Not our best but my favorite

 

[Ego sum deus tuus]

If it wasn't for the goal posts after Kevin Locke collided with them scoring a try he wasn't the same. But for making tries out of nothing from kick returns I haven't seen better in a Warriors jumper I was gutted when they brought over Sam tompkins to force Locke out. My vote for best fullback however would be Ivan if you factor in his goal kicking and defence.

 

[Boats n Hoes]

That list needs more Ngamu but Maloney a given at 6. Hohaia probably couldve been named in both positions.

Didnt get any Dally M awards but 2007 Wade McKinnon still the best season ive seen from a Warriors fullback, unfortunately not a lot of after that. For body of work cant go past RTS so he gets my vote. Brent Webb more than honorable mention.

 

[regenerated borg]

Ivan has the best stats , Ridgey was great as well.. brave as f"#:k. Both could kick goals. But Wade gets me vote...
Picked Malloney as 6 but I thought there would be a few more to choose from...

 

[Inruin]

View: https://youtu.be/lV4nMe224hQ?si=eeh7WVMiqLBghgWq

Speed, defense, chimed in on the left and right edge, good passing game, tries, some of those set plays were Storm like.

I think easily our best fullback during his peak years

 

[Matiunz]

View: https://youtu.be/lV4nMe224hQ?si=eeh7WVMiqLBghgWq

Speed, defense, chimed in on the left and right edge, good passing game, tries, some of those set plays were Storm like.

I think easily our best fullback during his peak years

Forgot how handy he was on defence. Such a shame we wasted so much talent coming through in those Toyota cup days

 

[WAH MAN]

Roger.

This is a heart vote. For carrying us as long as he did.

He's a different type of fullback from my other favourites: Webb, McKinnon, Ridge, Locke.

 

[wizard of Tauranga]

Fullbacks the position where I’ve been excited by the most amount of players. Some very talented anthletes over the years.

Even the next level down were exciting with players like Tomkins, Hohaia, Walsh, even Fisiiahi, etc

Great position with a lot of history.