Proving props are more valuable than any other player in bush footy, Lithgow Workies mentor Chris Rhodes has topped the 2017 Group 10’s most influential player poll.

The hulking former Western Rams gun attracted almost a fifth of the 400 votes cast over the last week when the top 20 list was launched – reigning Group 10 player of the year Jeremy Gordon earning top spot on the initial list.

Outstanding two blues five-eighth Willie Heta earned a touch over 13 per cent of the votes to edge out fellow top-three player, Orange CYMS prop Chris Bamford.

Both have been tremendous over the course of the opening round of the 2017 competition, the latter leading the green and golds to an unbeaten record to date.

While Workies don’t appear to be in contention for a finals spot, Rhodes’ ability to reinstall some pride back into the Lithgow jumper after a horror 2016, and his standing in Group 10 as one of the better props, landed him top position.