Power rankings: Top six props in the NRL at present

We’ve taken a look at the top six props in the NRL at present.

6: David Klemmer

The Newcastle Knights workhorse had another impressive year in 2019 after averaging 170 metres and 34 tackles per game.

Despite an inconsistent season for the Knights, Klemmer was still one of the shining lights throughout the year with his work ethic and huge motor being second to none. Although he may not be the biggest try scoring threat, it is what he is able to do in between that makes him a constant danger in attack and defence. The 26-year-old was an integral force for New South Wales, helping the Blues claim back-to-back Origin series.

5: Addin Fonua-Blake

It was a breakout year for the Manly front-rower as he put forth his best season to date as part of the Sea Eagles.

The 24-year-old averaged 163 metres and 24 tackles per game per game throughout 2019 and formed one half of a superb front-row alongside Martin Taupau. If coach Des Halser can get the Tonga international firing in 2020 then Manly are a team worth keeping an eye on once the season gets up and running again.

4: Jared Waerea-Hargreaves

The New Zealand international has showed time and again why he is the leader in the Roosters’ forward pack.

During the 2019 season he was as consistent as ever and helped lead the Chooks to consecutive NRL titles with his aggression and ruthlessness being completely unmatched. The 31-year-old averaged 139 metres and 30 tackles per game throughout 2019 and going into 2020, he will no doubt be called to upon the lead from the front once again as Sydney look to make it three in a row.

3: Martin Taupau

On one side Manly have Fonua-Blake and on the other they have Taupau and the duo together formed one of the most fearsome front-row partnerships in the league throughout 2019.

The 30-year-old had one of his best seasons to date with the Sea Eagles as he proved to be an utter handful for his opponents. Over the course of last season, Taupau averaged 149 running metres, 3.1 breaks and 1.7 offloads per game.

2: Josh Papalii

If it was not for a certain rookie then Papalii could have easily been number one on this list.

The 27-year-old was in stunning form in the NRL finals in 2019 and almost helped Canberra to their first Grand Final win since 1994. Over the course of last season, his stats showed how polarising and consistent he was as he averaged 145 metres, 28 tackles and 2.2 tackle breaks per game. The Australia and Samoa international proved unstoppable when near the line and has the most tries in the NRL era by any current prop forward.

1: Payne Haas

As debut seasons go it could have not gone any better for Brisbane prodigy Payne Haas.

The 2019 Dally M Rookie of The Year was the spark that the Broncos needed and his efforts with the ball in hand and on the defensive side were sensational. On average, he totalled 185 metres and 35 tackles per game as his explosiveness and work ethic made him of most exciting players to watch throughout the year. Alongside the likes of David Fifita and Kotoni Staggs, Brisbane have three of the most electrifying youngsters in the game and it is going to be interesting to see how Haas follows on from such a great rookie season.

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