NLR Legend Names His Top Fullback of the Golden Era and Walsh’s Fixes

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Cowboys legend Matty Bowen has paid one NRL fullback the “ultimate” compliment while offering some advice to Broncos star Reece Walsh following a down 2024 season.

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Bowen is one of several former NRL stars who will be taking the field for the Nines Premier League on the Gold Coast this weekend, which will be shown live on Kayo.

The 42-year-old was one of the game’s best fullbacks during his time in the NRL from 2001-2013, playing in 270 games for the Cowboys and representing Queensland on 10 occasions.

While Bowen would have been in the top tier of his position in any era, the talent pool at fullback right now is the deepest it’s ever been.

Nearly every club in the NRL when fully healthy has a star No. 1.

The lofty standard has play has led to fullback becoming one of the highest paid position groups in the NRL.

Speaking to foxsports.com.au ahead of the Nines Premier League, Bowen praised the current crop of fullbacks, believing they deserve the big bucks.

“The fullbacks these days can do anything, have a capability of being a ballplayer, having a good kicking game and all these different things,” Bowen said.

“It’s a vital role for each teams now and you can see that teams need a high quality fullback to compliment the halves.”

While Bowen listed off James Tedesco, Ryan Papenhuyzen, Reece Walsh and Hamiso Tabuai-Fidow among his favourite fullbacks in the game, there is one that he has up above the rest.

“Dylan Edwards for me is just the ultimate competitor,” Bowen said.

“You can see why Penrith has been so successful. Dylan does all the hard stuff and he’s the ultimate fullback at the moment.”

While there’s no question Broncos star Walsh is more dynamic and flashier than Edwards, Bowen believes Walsh should take a leaf out of the Penrith star’s book.

Walsh battled with injuries in 2024 and didn’t enjoy his best season, but Bowen is confident the superstar No. 1 can bounce back in a big way, especially if he learns some of Edwards’ good habits.

“I just think being fitter,” Bowen said when asked how Walsh can become the best player possible.

“We know he has that spark but if he can pop up everywhere like Dylan Edwards does on a weekly basis and be that ultimate competitor in games and the training paddock

“If Reece can improve that part of his game, he’ll be a quality fullback for years to come.”