The prop forwards. Not a position that draws the attention of the halfback role, or even the modern-day fullback, but just as important.

They say that Origin is won in the forwards. It's hard to name a brilliant halfback who stars with any sort of consistency whilst playing behind a beaten forward pack.

In 2022 we are spoilt when it comes to middle forwards. The shortlist here was 18, without even deep diving for names that didn't come to mind right away.

Some super-performing props are going to miss out here, but here are the 10 props I believe performed best in 2022.

Only 2022 is taken into account. To qualify a player must have played more games in the front row than elsewhere. There may be some crossover with the lock position, but we'll cross that if and when we come to it.

4. Payne Haas

Payne Haas is the near perfect prop. He is the prize possession in that Brisbane side and will be for the next decade.

Although I would have gone elsewhere, you can't be overly upset at his inclusion in the Dally M Team of the Year.

163 running metres per game, 58 tackle breaks, 21 offloads, 1542 post contact metres. Brilliant attacking stats. A near 97% tackle efficiency is right up there with the game's elite.

Although he did not make the trip to England for the World Cup, make no mistake, if he had declared himself available, he would have been the first prop picked.

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