The front-row forward role is no more, with props and locks combined into a single position in NRL Fantasy this season.
Top performers in 2020: Cameron McInnes (72.5 ppg), Payne Haas (72.2 points per game), Jason Taumalolo (61.7 ppg), Tohu Harris (60.2 ppg), Pat Carrigan (60.2 ppg),
Average Fantasy score for a middle forward in 2020: 40 points (3rd highest scoring position)
Biggest improvers in 2020: Pat Carrigan (+$349k), Tino Fa'asuamaleaui (+$318k), Toby Rudolf (+$318k), Jaimin Joliffe (+$244k), Jacob Saifiti (+$236k), Jack Murchie (+$236k)
Key scoring categories: Run Metres, Tackles, Tackle Breaks
The lowdown
A new position in Fantasy this season, combining props and locks, this is now a key category with several monster scorers. With three spots to fill in the starting side, you probably want a couple of back-up options in reserve as well.
It's rare to find players capable of playing the full 80 minutes in the middle, so the key is recruiting the big men who make the most impact while they're on the field.
At the cheaper end, even bench players can be worth selecting here if they are strong points-per-minute contributors, like Cronulla's Toby Rudolf or Newcastle's Jacob Saififi last season.
2021 NRL Fantasy point-scoring system
Popular buys
Tino Fa'asuamaleaui (Titans, $574k) – Try-scoring Maroons star who may be underpriced after getting limited minutes early in 2020.
Connor Watson (Knights, $323k) – Great value utility who can score well even in limited minutes.
Jason Taumalolo (Cowboys, $827k) – An established Fantasy superstar, but one to be wary of following news his minutes will drop this year.
Ben Murdoch-Masila (Warriors, $405k) – Fresh from a standout stint in the Super League, good value and also available at edge forward.
Angus Crichton (Roosters, $833k) – Dual-position player who should be an elite scorer as a middle or edge forward.
