LOCKS are some of the real workhorses in the NRL.

The job they do in the middle of the park is crucial for both attack and defence.

Check out our positional rankings for the competition’s top five.

NB: Corey Parker was not considered due to his retirement.

Round 19

5. Jake Trbojevic

The 22-year-old’s form went to a new level after switching from prop to lock in 2016. Trbojevic hit career-best figures of 105 metres per game, to go with a total of 24 tackle breaks, 18 offloads and eight linebreaks. He was rewarded for his performances being named as a development player in the NSW Origin squad for this year’s series before going on to represent Australia at the Four Nations. The Mona Vale junior has been touted as the frontrunner to take over the captaincy at Manly after the retirement of Jamie Lyon.

Jake Trbojevic of Manly in action. Picture: Mark Evans Source: News Corp Australia

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4. Sam Burgess

He may not have replicated his stellar 2014 season where he helped South Sydney to the premiership title, but Burgess was still a powerhouse for the club in 2016. The 28-year-old averaged 72 minutes, 16.1 runs, 31.7 tackles and 146 metres per game last season. He was named captain of the England national side and went on to represent them three times during the Four Nations tournament. He did have a high error and penalty count which he’ll no doubt be looking to rectify this year as he tries help the Rabbitohs return to finals footy.

Sam Burgess in action. Picture: Mark Evans Source: News Corp Australia

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3. Trent Merrin

Made the move to Penrith on big money last season and he’s definitely proven his worth. In 2016, the 26-year-old averaged the most minutes per game of his career (66). That meant he churned out on average 148 metres and 16.2 runs and produced a career-high 53 offloads for the season. While he was an unlucky omission from the NSW Origin side, he was recalled to the Australian Kangaroos side and went on to make five appearances in the green and gold.

Trent Merrin looks to offload. Picture: Mark Evans Source: News Corp Australia

2. Paul Gallen

The 35-year-old’s body might be little battle-worn, but he’s still an absolute workhorse. In 2016 he averaged 63 minutes, 18.2 runs, 162 metres and 27.3 tackles per game. He also had three try assists, seven linebreak assists and 36 tackle breaks. Gallen played admirably for NSW in his last-ever Origin series and was even named man of the match while playing for the Kangaroos in the Anzac Test. His crowning achievement of the year — and his career — came when he led Cronulla to their first-ever premiership.

Paul Gallen in action for Cronulla. Picture: Brett Costello Source: News Corp Australia

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1. Jason Taumalolo

The 23-year-old is coming off his best season to date. The fridge with eyes was almost unstoppable in 2016 and averaged 166 metres and 15.3 runs per game — a career best. He also made 12 linebreaks and 75 tackle breaks. He capped off a brilliant year being crowned the joint Dally M medallist, the RLPA players’ champion, and has also been named as a finalist for the 2016 NZRL Kiwis player of the year.

Jason Taumalolo celebrates a try. Picture: Wesley Monts Source: News Corp Australia

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