Rugby league has undergone a seismic shift, and it's the props who are now stealing the spotlight. Gone are the days when hulking forwards dominated the field; today, it's the smaller, more agile players who are calling the shots. But here's where it gets fascinating: this evolution has been so rapid that the game is almost unrecognizable from just a decade ago.
Shane Flanagan, a keen observer of the NRL's transformation, has witnessed this change firsthand. The introduction of set restarts in 2020 revolutionized the sport, injecting speed and reintroducing fatigue as a strategic element. Flanagan was ahead of the curve, strategically deploying the dynamic duo of Andrew Fifita and Paul Gallen, whose mobility and power propelled Cronulla to their historic 2016 premiership.
Fifita's grand final-winning try is legendary, but it's his agility and footwork that truly set him apart. Fast forward to 2026, and the landscape is clear: no club can seriously contend for the premiership without an elite middle forward. As Flanagan aptly puts it, 'Size still matters, but mobility has become the game-changer.'
And this is the part most people miss: the modern prop isn't just about brute strength. They're the players who can drive the team forward while maintaining defensive agility. Take Keaon Koloamatangi, for instance, whose signature was hotly pursued by multiple clubs, with the Dragons ultimately securing him on a five-year deal starting in 2027. Dragons CEO Tim Watsford hailed this as a 'transformative moment,' and Flanagan shares this optimism, envisioning Koloamatangi as a mentor for the club's rising young forwards.
But here's the controversial bit: Are we undervaluing the traditional, larger props? While the game has shifted towards mobility, there's still a place for the 120kg powerhouses who can dominate the field. Addin Fonua-Blake, a three-time Dally M Prop of the Year, exemplifies this. His move to the Sharks in 2024 had an immediate impact, leading the league in post-contact metres and run metres. His presence not only opened up attacking opportunities but also elevated hooker Blayke Brailey to his best season yet.
The scramble to sign elite middle forwards like Koloamatangi and Fonua-Blake highlights a simple yet critical principle: supply and demand. With the game's pace accelerating, the demand for mobile, versatile forwards has skyrocketed, while the supply remains limited. Props, once the unsung heroes, are now commanding the attention and lucrative contracts traditionally reserved for try-scoring backs.
Is this shift long overdue? Cronulla's Toby Rudolf certainly thinks so. 'We're the ones taking all the collisions, doing the defensive grunt work,' he argues. 'Without us, there's no game. No spectacular tries, no Cam Munster or Billy Slater moments.'
Look at any premiership contender today, and you'll find at least one elite middle forward anchoring their success. From Payne Haas at Brisbane to Moses Leota at Penrith, these players are the backbone of their teams. The Bulldogs are banking on Leo Thompson to fill this role, while the Warriors, after losing Fonua-Blake, secured James Fisher-Harris, who formed a formidable partnership with Mitch Barnett.
But what happens when these key players go down? The Warriors' finals charge faltered after Barnett's ACL injury in Round 13, a setback compounded by Luke Metcalf's injury four weeks later. Barnett's absence was also felt in the representative arena, with NSW struggling to replace him in the Origin series.
As Barnett himself reflects, 'Being in the middle is physically and mentally demanding. You need to be fit, strong, and skilled. It's the hardest position on the field.' His move to the Warriors marked a turning point in his career, and now, as a leader, he's mentoring the next generation of forwards, including breakout stars Leka Halasima and Demitric Vaimauga.
The Dragons, too, are investing in their future with a young core of forwards, including the Couchman twins, Hamish Stewart, Dylan Egan, and Loko Pasifiki Tonga. With Koloamatangi in the mix, they're poised to join the elite group of premiership contenders.
So, here's the question for you: Is the rise of the mobile prop a permanent shift, or will the traditional, larger forwards make a comeback? And as the game continues to evolve, who will be the next breakout star in the middle? Let us know your thoughts in the comments!
