Rugby Leading Props

Somebody on a rugby league team has to put their head where others would not put their feet, crash through tackle after tackle, play through injury and be prepared to get battered for the team cause. That somebody is the prop.

There are several fine props across the globe, but St Helens' star man, James Graham, can consider himself to be the best of the bunch.

Off the pitch Graham is the quietest, most humble man you would ever wish to meet. Put him on a rugby field and he transforms himself into a warrior.

The 2008 Super League Man of Steel is still only 23, but plays with the experience and strength of a man 10 years older.

He is a genuine driving force for St Helens, taking the ball forward at all times, regardless of the cost to his own body, and if he remains injury-free, he will comfortably go down as a modern-day great.

South Sydney Rabbitohs' Roy Asotasi, a New Zealand-born Samoan is also one to keep an eye on.
The 27-year-old is a huge, huge man, but is also fast, manoeuvrable, has good hands and is just as courageous as Graham.

Asotasi has represented New Zealand over 20 times but missed their World Cup success in 2008 due to injury. As a result, he is even more determined to make amends and grab his own slice of the glory other National Rugby League sides should watch out.