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.
1. Payne Haas - 22
I don't think anyone is surprised that Payne Haas sits atop the list.
Not only is he the best prop in his age bracket, he is by far the best prop in the NRL. While it might seem clumsy to say 'by far' with players like Addin Fonua-Blake, Junior Paulo, James Fisher-Harris and the injured Christian Welch existing, it isn't.
He's just that good.
His combination of size, strength, speed, footwork, work rate and motor is something I don't think rugby league has ever seen before. He could very well be the best prop to ever play the game.
Whether he racks up the club accomplishments to make that argument is another thing, but based on sheer play on the field, he's truly special.
