Middle forwards are the players who have the potential to win and lose a game.

It is almost impossible to win a game, no matter who is in your team if the forwards get dominated. If your forwards are dominating, you have to play pretty badly to lose (just ask New Zealand Warriors fans!).

Players seem to be getting better and better, earlier and earlier, and the big boys in the middle are no exception.

So, without further ado, here are the five best middle forwards aged 22 and under in the NRL.

3. Josh Curran - 22

In contrast to the two names above him, Josh Curran didn't shine from the moment he first pulled on an NRL jersey.

A schoolboy star, it took Curran time to adjust to the NRL. Debuting for the Sydney Roosters in 2019, the now 22-year-old didn't find his feet until the end of 2021.

So far in 2022, not only has he proven himself as a true NRL talent but as a future representative player.

Playing lock for the Warriors, Curran thrives in the middle. Whether it's ball-playing, offloads or taking a hard hit-up, he can do it all. His play this season has not only proven himself amongst NRL youngsters but moved him into the upper echelon of locks.

I don't think it's ridiculous to say he would be in a lot of top fives behind the likes of Cameron Murray and Isaah Yeo.