The Fullback’s Field: A Tale of Tactical Restraint in the NRL
Ever watched a rugby league match and noticed how some fullbacks seem glued to one side of the field? It’s a trend that’s been quietly reshaping the game, and it’s far more intriguing than it initially appears. Personally, I think this tactical shift reveals a lot about modern NRL strategies—and the players who execute them.
The Curious Case of Kaeo Weekes
Let’s start with the player who sparked this conversation: Kaeo Weekes of the Canberra Raiders. During a recent match against Parramatta, commentator Luke Keary pointed out something peculiar: Weekes was ‘parked’ on the left side of the field, barely touching the ball. Keary’s observation wasn’t just a casual remark—it was a window into a broader tactical trend. What makes this particularly fascinating is how it contrasts with Weekes’ role in 2025, when he was primarily on the right side. Why the shift? In my opinion, it’s about balancing team dynamics. In 2025, Jamal Fogarty controlled the right side, while Ethan Strange was still finding his feet on the left. Fast forward to 2026, and Strange’s Origin debut likely prompted Ricky Stuart to pair Weekes with him on the left. It’s a classic example of how player development influences team strategy.
The Right-Side Revolution
But Weekes isn’t alone. Across the NRL, fullbacks are increasingly being restricted to one side of the field—and more often than not, it’s the right side. Since 2021, the percentage of fullback touches on the right side within 40 meters of the tryline has surged from 53.9% to 60.5%. What this really suggests is a league-wide shift towards right-side dominance in attack. Why? One theory is that it’s a response to defensive structures. Defenses are getting smarter, and by funneling attacks to one side, teams can create overloads and exploit weaknesses.
The Outliers: Who’s Breaking the Mold?
Not every team is following this trend, though. Players like James Tedesco (Roosters) and Will Kennedy (Sharks) are virtually side-agnostic, with less than a 4% difference in touches between left and right. Tedesco, in particular, is a master of roaming freely—a reminder that positional flexibility can be just as effective as tactical restraint. What many people don’t realize is that this freedom isn’t just about individual skill; it’s also about the team’s overall game plan. The Roosters and Sharks, for instance, seem to prioritize adaptability over rigid structure.
The Cleary Effect
One name keeps popping up when discussing side-restricted fullbacks: Ivan Cleary. Whether it’s Dylan Edwards at Penrith or Connor Tracey at the Bulldogs, Cleary’s disciples are among the most one-sided fullbacks in the league. Edwards, for example, has had over 80% of his touches on the right side since 2021. This isn’t coincidental. Cleary’s system is built around creating structured attacks, and limiting the fullback’s movement is a key part of that. If you take a step back and think about it, this approach makes sense in a league where unpredictability is often the enemy of consistency.
The Warriors’ Right-Side Obsession
No team exemplifies the right-side trend more than the Warriors. Under Andrew Webster, their fullbacks have become almost exclusively right-side players. Taine Tuaupiki, for instance, has a staggering 92.8% of his touches on the right side this season. This isn’t just a player preference—it’s a systemic choice. The Warriors’ overall attack is heavily right-sided, with 47% of their tries coming down that edge. What this implies is that Webster sees the right side as the path of least resistance, both for his team and against opponents.
The Broader Implications
This trend raises a deeper question: Are we sacrificing creativity for structure? Fullbacks like Weekes and Edwards are undoubtedly effective in their restricted roles, but at what cost? The game’s most dynamic position is being increasingly boxed in, and that’s a shame. In my opinion, rugby league thrives on unpredictability, and over-structuring the fullback role could stifle that. On the other hand, it’s hard to argue with the success of teams like Penrith and the Warriors. This tension between structure and creativity is what makes the sport so compelling.
Looking Ahead
As we move forward, I’ll be watching to see if this trend continues—or if teams start to push back against it. Will we see more fullbacks like Tedesco, who roam freely and keep defenses guessing? Or will the Cleary-inspired model of tactical restraint become the norm? One thing that immediately stands out is how much this debate reflects the broader evolution of the game. Rugby league has always been a sport of innovation, and the fullback’s role is just the latest battleground.
Final Thoughts
The next time you watch an NRL match, pay attention to where the fullback is positioned. Are they roaming freely, or are they stuck on one side? It’s a small detail, but it tells a big story about the team’s strategy—and the sport’s future. Personally, I hope we don’t lose the unpredictability that makes rugby league so exciting. But if history has taught us anything, it’s that the game will always evolve. And that, in itself, is something to look forward to.
