I just want to LOL at the mob that says "Marto is a middle, he has no skills"! That cut out for the Staines try just proved them wrong. It is not the first time that he has thrown that kind of a pass either, did it multiple times last year.
Marto as a middle would be a little above average. His speed and footwork would be wasted there. Running a little wider is where he does his damage. He runs very good lines as well - another skill wasted in the middle.
2 sides to the game.
He has 22 missed tackles. The most despite playing one less game then some others
While it is only early days you can't have an edge forward with a 78% tackle rate. In the middle suits his defence better as he can run and belt people and have the coverage should he fall off a tackle.
As for attack. lets put some other average 2nd rowers stats up
Luki - 44 mins. 70m gained. 8m per run. 13 tackle breaks. 19 tackles a game. 94% tackle %
Tupouniua - 74 mins. 89m gained. 9m per run. 13 tackle breaks. 25 tackles a game. 88% tackle
Koloamatangi - 72 mins. 109m gained. 8m per run. 13 tackle breaks. 25 tackles a game. 87%
Then Martin
71mins. 80m gained. 7m per run. 11 tackle breaks. 22 tackles a game. 4 missed a game for 78% tackle rate.
So nothing on that screams out he is a 2nd rower. Lack of options likely keeps him there though