A throwaway line on social media by one of our own here at Zero Tackle kick-started a heated debate prior to the kick-off for Round 6.
The debate? Over the best forward pack in the NRL.
Some good arguments were made, for multiple engine rooms. This makes absolute sense as there are currently some magnificient packs in the game.
Most arguments seemed to zero in on which pack makes the NRL's top five. There seemed to be a few agreements but a severe lack of a definitive top three, or even five.
I'll go on record in naming the packs I believe are currently the NRL's best.
For the purpose of this, we'll be dealing with each club's (perceived) full-strength 8-13 and bench forwards. Of course, these rankings are completely objective and here to be debated.
Let us know who you believe are the top five packs in the game:
Honourable Mentions:
- North Queensland Cowboys: Jason Taumalolo, Jeremiah Nanai, Reuben Cotter and Reece Robson are all elite-level players. They just don't have the quality off the bench to make the list.
- Wests Tigers: On paper a top five pack but have not played up to their potential. Pre-season they probably make the cut.
- South Sydney Rabbitohs: The sixth best pack in the game. Missed out by the slimmest of margins. Would be happy to concede they probably should have made the list.
4. Penrith Panthers
Pack: 8. James Fisher-Harris 9. Mitch Kenny 10. Moses Leota 11. Liam Martin 12. Zac Hosking 13. Isaah Yeo 14. Soni Luke 15. Spencer Leniu 16. Luke Garner 17. Jaeman Salmon
Prior to losing Viliame Kikau and Apisai Koroisau, the Panthers had the best pack in the game. Even despite the two giant losses they're still undoubtedly a top-five squad up front.
James Fisher-Harris is a monster - an elite prop and someone who seemingly never has an off day. Prop partner Moses Leota is one of the game's most damaging on both ends of the ball.
Liam Martin is an Origin rep while I have Zac Hosking above Luke Garner (they can be switched if you insist) after his magnificent start to 2023.
Isaah Yeo is the best ball playing lock in the game. He adds something that no other side can match.
Spencer Leniu is a top two, at worst, bench prop. He walks into most other sides with ease. Luke Garner lands on the bench here but could very well start.
Soni Luke is going to make the number nine role his own. Mitch Kenny is more than serviceable but Luke is special.
Jaeman Salmon would drop off my bench for Scott Sorenson but the Cleary's both love Salmon who just seems able to play absolutely anywhere.
Interesting views, Dan.
Iโm surprised that you give an honourable mention to the Wests pack. I think that the Dolphins โ both on paper and on the field โ are more impressive.
Lovely to see your enthusiasm for Ray Faitala-Mariner. Heโs a great clubman and solid forward, but he is just 10 weeks short of turning 30, and I find it hard to agree that his โpotential is almost unlimitedโ :=)