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Following on from my piece about the NRL’s fullback hierarchy, this week I’m going to discuss the game’s best hookers.
Hooker is arguably the most influential position on the paddock so as we head into the seasons climax it is important to assess just how influential your team’s hooker might be.
I am only considering the clubs primary hooker of season 2014, therefore the likes of Michal Lichaa, Cameron King and Kurt Baptiste will not be considered.
16. Rory Kostjaysn (Cowboys)
Kostjaysn is an excellent utility player but is still honing his craft as a hooker. While he is solid defensively and plays with a lot of enthusiasm, he often fails to steer the attack and create opportunities by his own accord.
He essentially operates solely as a ball feeder for Johnathan Thurston and needs to work on improving this service.
15. Glen Buttriss (Raiders)
A few years ago I was a huge fan of Glenn Buttriss, who is capable of throwing a beautiful spiral pass. However a consistent criticism of Buttriss’ game is that he needs to run more from dummy half.
The Raiders have improved (if only slightly) since Buttriss returned to first grade, instead of persisting with the struggling Josh McCrone.
14. Kurt Gidley (Knights)
While Gidley always plays with his heart on his sleeve, for a number of seasons he has been playing solely with this quality instead of talent.
Gidley struggles to control the pacing of a match and while he can be effective running from dummy half, his best performances have always been in the number 1 jersey.
13. Beau Falloon (Titans)
The Titans hooker can be very crafty. He possesses excellent acceleration from dummy half and a lovely sleight of hand, and was rewarded with City Origin selection this season.
A consistent performer, Falloon has relegated the talented Matt Srama to bench and reserve grade duties all season.
12. John Morris (Sharks)
Morris is one of the most reliable players of the modern era. An extremely sound defender who also provides durable dummy half service, Morris celebrated 300 games this season by continuing what he does best, being consistently solid with minimal errors.
11. Mitch Rein (Dragons)
The crafty Dragons hooker has been an unsung hero this season, with most of the plaudits going the way of Gareth Widdop and mid-season maestro Benji Marshall.
However, playing behind one of the smallest forward packs in the competition, Rein has still been able to trouble the defence from dummy half and provide swift and effective service to his halves. A sound defender too.
10. Michael Ennis (Bulldogs)
‘The Menace’ has been solid in 2014 but far from spectacular. He has provided the odd outstanding play but hasn’t quite influenced games like in the past.
His defence has been rock solid and he has led his team admirably as both a skipper and prominent playmaker.
9. Nathan Friend (Warriors)
Friend’s greatest strength is his defence. Again in season 2014 he has exhibited a tireless work rate with minimal defensive lapses.
In attack he has provided durable service to Shaun Johnson, and he is capable of splitting the defence with a quick scoot from dummy half. Also possesses a handy kicking game.
Do you agree with the list so far? What order would you place the players? Should one of these hookers make up the top eight?
Stay tuned for the announcement of the top eight hookers of 2014.
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