The lock position has transitioned in the past few seasons to incorporate not only a defensive priority, but now a playmaking role in the middle of the field as well.
That's why this role will be particularly important for the Gold Coast Titans in 2023 with a number of options at Justin Holbrook's disposal.
Erin Clark is firming as the favourite to regain the No. 13 jersey following a number of stellar performances after his switch from hooker, but the experience of Isaac Liu is also available, or the leadership of Tino Fa'asuamaleaui who held the role for the beginning of the season.
Titans.com.au has identified the key players who could star at lock this season in the depth discussion series.
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Jacob Alick
Age: 23 | Appearances: 0
A typical edge forward, Alick's switch to the No. 13 jersey was a revelation for the 23-year-old at the Rugby League World Cup in the United Kingdom late last year.
Whilst yet to make his NRL debut, Alick was one of the Papua New Guinea Kumuls' rising stars averaging 93 running metres and 28 tackles a game during his typical 60 minutes on field representing his family heritage.
The positional switch to lock was a change up after playing on the edge for Burleigh in the Hostplus Cup last season and his versatility could be how he pushes his way into Justin Holbrook's top 17 in 2023.
Erin Clark
Age: 25 | Appearances: 51
Coming off a breakout season last year, the hooker-turned-lock was a revelation when getting his change to roam with the No. 13 on his back.
One of the fiercest defenders in the Titans' top 30 squad, the 25-year-old averaged 31 tackles a game at 94 percent efficiency and was one of the club's most consistent players in the middle, despite the switch from hooker to lock.
His development in his new role was cut short due to injuries at the backend of last year - including knee surgery for himself - but the Maori All Star is back to full healthy, looking extremely fit and is hoping to pick up where he left off when he returns to the field in 2023.
Isaac Liu
Age: 31 | Appearances: 226
A consummate professional, Liu is the perfect player to have in the Titans top 17 given his experience and ability to play a number of positions across the park - including at prop, second row and lock.
In his first season on the Coast, the 31-year-old was a brick wall in defence, among the top three in the club for tackle efficiency at an incredible 95 percent, averaging 26 tackles per game.
Coming back after a strong World Cup performance with the Kiwis, Liu will be ready to build on his first season in Coast colours in whatever position Holbrook anoints him to play.
Tino Fa'asuamaleaui
Age: 22 | Appearances: 71
The Titans skipper can best be described as the heart and soul of his outfit and the 22-year-old will be ready to lead the forward pack again in 2023 - the only question that remains is in what position.
The Queensland and Australian enforcer started last season at lock before switching to the front row in Round 18, and his representative career has also seen him play very similar roles, tasked as a bash-and-crash big man.
The back-to-back Paul Broughton Medallist averaged 160 run metres - 68 of those post-contact - with ball in hand, and was instrumental in defence, making 30 tackles a game at 93 percent efficiency.
Will he run out for Round 1 with the number 10 or 13 on his back?
