Canberra captain Elliott Whitehead has hailed teammate Joe Tapine as the world’s best prop after the New Zealand international’s starring role in the NRL elimination final triumph over Melbourne.

Tapine was at his best in helping Canberra record their fifth straight win at AAMI Park, ousting the Storm from the finals with a 28-20 victory.

The 28-year-old’s contribution didn’t surprise Whitehead.

“He’s done it all year, and for me he’s the best prop in the world at the moment,” Whitehead said.

“He’s led our middles all year, he works hard at training and off the field as well. 

“He deserves every bit of credit he’s getting at the moment.”

Tapine appreciated the recognition coming his way recently, especially given he’s not eligible to share in the game’s State of Origin spotlight.

“I’ve been working hard all year and starting to see some good compliments and results out of it,” he said.

“I think everyone wants to be the best player in their position. I probably don’t get put in those conversations much, so I just work hard to try and get my name up there.

“It’s a bit tough when you’re not playing Origin, that’s pretty much the gold standard in rugby league, if you’re playing Origin, you get a bit more exposure.

“I’ve just got to work a bit harder to get that recognition.”

Tapine will lead Canberra’s forward pack into battle in a semi-final showdown with Parramatta – and former teammate Junior Paulo.

“During the game, you do all you can to try and hit them hard and they try to hit you hard,” Tapine said of the clash with Paulo.

“After the game, you’re still mates, so it’s easy.”

The only sour note from another successful trip to Melbourne was Tapine being placed on report after crashing into Storm halfback Jahrome Hughes.

But Hughes returned to the ground after the knock and Raiders coach Ricky Stuart is confident Tapine will have nothing to worry about.