HODGES VS WALSH: TWO ERAS OF PREMIERSHIP FULLBACK EXCELLENCE GO HEAD-TO-HEAD
As the 2025 Premiership season wraps up, we compare two standout fullback performances from different generations: Justin Hodges’ 2006 display and Reece Walsh’s 2025 showing – but is there a clear “best” between them?
When Justin Hodges took the field as fullback in 2006, he delivered a workhorse performance that defined the physicality of the era. The veteran crossed for 1 try and made 1 line break, but it was his ability to break through defensive lines that stood out: 8 tackle breaks and 67 post-contact metres showcased his strength in the contest. His 234 run metres led the way for his side, proving he was a reliable outlet with ball in hand, willing to take on the line time and again.
Fast forward 19 years to 2025, and Reece Walsh has brought a new dimension to the fullback role with his all-around playmaking and defensive awareness. Matching Hodges with 1 try and 1 line break, Walsh elevated his impact in other areas: 3 try assists, 4 line break assists and 1 goal highlighted his creative flair, turning opportunities into points for teammates. Defensively, he stepped up with 3 try saves – a stat that didn’t feature in Hodges’ 2006 game sheet. With 14 tackle breaks (6 more than Hodges) and 176 run metres, he combined attacking threat with defensive resilience.
So, who takes the crown? It’s not a straightforward call. Hodges dominated in run metres and post-contact gain, embodying the gritty, forward-focused style of his time. Walsh, meanwhile, demonstrated the modern fullback’s versatility – equally dangerous in setting up plays as he is in finishing them, with defensive contributions that changed the game’s outcome.
In a 1 🤝 1 comparison, there’s no clear “best” – only two exceptional performances that reflect the evolution of the fullback position across two decades. Both players delivered when it mattered most, leaving their mark on their respective Premiership campaigns.
