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Isaah Yeo is now regarded as the NRL's best lock but the title doesn't sit well with the Penrith and NSW State of Origin star.

Isaah Yeo is in the midst of the most uncomfortable year of his career despite being in career-best form.

This is because the introverted NSW State of Origin player is constantly being lauded as one of the NRL's best players.

"Those compliments and stuff ... it doesn't suit me at all," Yeo told AAP.

"I've been playing in the NRL nine years, and I still don't feel comfortable with media or any of that stuff."

Yeo has suddenly become the most talked about lock in the competition this year, finally getting recognition for the role he plays in Penrith's attack.

He became the first player since Luke Keary in 2017 to poll three Dally M points in each of the first three rounds, and has been labelled the competition's most influential player by Andrew Johns.

Those at Penrith, however, have long known Yeo's value in playing a crucial linking role in a team that has won 54 of 59 games with him in it since the start of 2020.

But Yeo is still unsure, is he playing better football now or is he just being noticed more?

"I feel like the last part is probably a bit of it," he said.

"I am improving as well. The way we are playing has allowed me to evolve a bit.

"I have had more reps there and am probably seeing the game a bit more.

"But it also helps when you've got guys like Matty and Andrew Johns giving you wraps, which puts you out there a but more."

The reasons for the rise in Yeo's accolades are varied.

There is no doubt he has risen to the status of the NRL's best lock, as one of the most vital cogs in Penrith's near-flawless attacking system.

On numbers alone, he has engaged the line more than any other No.13 in the competition, with no other lock involved in more tries than him.

Those close to him at Penrith also reckon Nathan Cleary's absence at the start of the year also contributed to the recognition.

The Panthers were winning without their main man and it quickly became apparent how big Yeo's influence on the team was.

There is also a thought his running game has also improved, pushing through more tacklers this year.

"We are constantly evolving," Yeo said.

"Nathan is still in control but if he is on the side of the field I have the ability to be able to play as well.

"Me and Nathan are constantly talking through the game. We see the game so similarly and talk on the run. We dissect things.

"That's probably the one thing (around improvement), me and Nathan play so much footy together we see it similarly. That helps our performance a bit."

With six Panthers in the Blues side, it'll help come Wednesday night in front of the biggest crowd of his career.