Rugby Leading Loose-Forwards

The New Zealand Warriors can consider themselves highly fortunate that they currently have the world's best loose-forward amongst their squad.

Michael Luck, 27, is an old-fashioned warhorse of a player, highlighted no better than when he once made a quite unbelievable 72 tackles during a single match the current world record.

He does not score as many tries as other loose-forwards around the world, but on sheer work-rate alone, Luck deserves to be considered a modern era great.

Corey Parker, the 26-year-old who has played for the Brisbane Broncos since 2001, is another Australian star.

As well as undertaking his loose-forward roles, he is also the Broncos' chief goalkicker and is renowned for having an uncanny accuracy rate when attempting to slot two-pointers.

Kevin Sinfield, the current Leeds Rhinos captain and England stalwart, also lets his boots do the talking with numerous vital Super League goals.

Sinfield helped guide the Rhinos to back-to-back Super League Grand Final victories in 2007 and 2008, and is just as comfortable at loose-forward as he is at stand-off, often swapping during a game if he feels the Leeds side need a change of direction.

Castleford Tigers youngster Joe Westermen, meanwhile, is one to watch. Westerman is only 19 but has taken the Super League by storm, scoring 12 tries during his debut season in 2008, as well as impressing England selectors.

He has already suffered injury problems, including being hospitalised for a week with a heavy head injury, but he has bounced back and looks to have the speed, handling and kicking skills to go all the way.