Was 2022 the year of the lock forward? We have elite number 13s now in a quantity that it's hard to remember seeing before.
There are so many different types of locks these days. We have arguably the best ever metre-eating number 13 and two of the best ballplaying middle forwards in history, plying their trade right now.
Truthfully, the ten here were really hard to rank. Numbers five, six and seven could very well have ended up in the top five. The top three all have credentials to finish top of the list.
Spoiler alert! Brandon Smith did not make the list. Despite his incredible talents, he only started on six occasions in the number 13 in 2022.
Below are the top ten locks from 2022. Again, this only takes into account performances in 2022. For a player to qualify, they must have played more games at lock than any other position.
7. Victor Radley
The Roosters' number 13 played a huge part in his side's late-season revival. His ballplaying and link skills are amongst the game's elite in his position.
113 metres run per game, two tries and 92% of his tackles made are brilliant base stats, but it's his ability to create space outside which stands out.
Radley shocked the Rugby League world by declaring for England as the general feeling was he was headed for a NSW Origin jersey in 2023.
There is still the odd issue with discipline, but Radley's 2022 season was one to behold. It's scary to think just how good he can be.
