In the world of rugby league, the strategic deployment of fullbacks is a fascinating aspect of the game. The question of which NRL teams restrict their fullback to one side in attack has been a topic of interest, especially after a recent game between Parramatta and Canberra. This article delves into the trend of single-sided fullback play, analyzing the data and offering personal insights. From the numbers, it's clear that most NRL clubs tend to park their fullback on a single side of the field this season. Only a handful of teams, notably the Roosters, Dragons, and Sharks, have anything resembling an even split of touches on both sides of the field by their fullback. The data reveals a significant shift towards teams using their fullback more on the right hand side, with a notable increase in the absolute percentage point difference between left and right side share of receipts. This trend is particularly evident in the top four spots, which are dominated by Warriors fullbacks under coach Cameron Webster. Webster's approach to using his fullbacks on the right side is a continuation of the strategy learned under Ivan Cleary. The article also highlights the impact of coaching on this trend, noting that before Webster, the Warriors had a more balanced approach to their fullback play. In conclusion, the strategic deployment of fullbacks in rugby league is a dynamic and evolving aspect of the game. While most teams are leaning towards single-sided play, there are still exceptions, and the influence of coaching on this trend is undeniable. As the season progresses, it will be interesting to see how these strategies unfold and whether we'll see a shift back towards more balanced gameplay.
