Fulton happy to plug Tigers' gaps

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While Benji Marshall's mental state has been the subject of intense speculation, Wests Tigers backrower Liam Fulton knows exactly where he fits into the scheme of things heading into Monday night's NRL blockbuster against Canterbury-Bankstown at ANZ Stadium.

Fulton describes himself as the ugly duckling of the Tigers backrow, the unfashionable footballer who "fills the gap" alongside high-profile duo Gareth Ellis and Chris Heighington. "I'm happy to have that title," Fulton said. "Gaz Ellis is probably the best second rower in the world … I know I could never do things that he could do. "And Heighington, he's just the ultimate workhorse, he's got an engine like I've never seen before. "I'm just there to fill the gap ... and we work really well as a trio." One gap Fulton will be called on to fill on Monday night will be the one new Canterbury signing Frank Pritchard takes aim at on the Bulldogs' left edge. It's a tough ask for the slender Fulton, with Pritchard's 112kg frame resembling a runaway wrecking ball when it reaches top speed. But personal sacrifice is nothing new for Fulton when it comes to the Tigers, having quit the [NRL](http://www.foxsports.com.au/league) club ahead of the 2009 season as the joint venture struggled to fit under the salary cap. "No-one's bigger than the game, no-one's bigger than the team," Fulton said of his selfless act, with the Tigers offering no guarantee of taking him back in 2010. "I thought I'd put myself out, help the Tigers out with the cap to relieve pressure - the last thing I'd want is the Tigers to be charged with salary cap problems. "No-one really understood what was going on because I never really came out and said (anything). I pretty much did it for the team, did it for the club. "I had the opportunity to stay at Huddersfield, Sheensy (Tigers coach Tim Sheens) gave me a call midway through the end of 2009 and he asked me if I was interested in coming back over … it was nice to know they wanted me back because I did something nice for them." [Source](http://www.foxsports.com.au/league/nrl-premiership/liam-fulton-happy-to-plug-the-gaps-for-wests-tigers-as-they-get-ready-for-nrl-round-one-contest/story-fn2mcuj6-1226020700202)
 
Fulton's defence will go a long way to helping the Tigers secure the 2 points against the Bulldogs tomorrow night. He may not be able to do the things Ellis can do, but they're two different players and watching Fulton's scrambling defence around the ruck shows how important he is to the team.
 
Take a bow Liam Fulton….took one for the team came back with improvements in his game and will only get better.......1st bloke picked every week for mine
 
Players like Fulton are thoroughly underrated in the NRL. Smallish forward but one of the biggest tickers around.

His form since returning from ESL has been terrific. Glad to call him a Tiger!!!!!
 
I was glad he got a run in the All Stars game as a form of recognition for a bloke who toils hard every game, the sort of player a team needs.
 
Agree with everyone's comments.

His ability to play 80 minutes also assists the team plus he can coiver a number of positions if injuries occur.

Every team needs a player like Fulton who does a lot of work during a game that goes un notice by many but not by true supporters and the coaching staff.

Great if he could bulk up but definitely plays above his weight week in week out.

Have a great year Fulton.
 
Agree with what everyone else has said. Liam has been my favourite player for years, and will be for years to come. I hope he has a blinder tonight.
 
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