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.
Slain
Guest
I would James Segeyaro in the top 3. He single handly win games for the panthers last year and also this year now.
phil
Guest
Give me a bucket!!
phil
Guest
Of course he is disgruntled - he got beat by 30 points on the weekend by West Tigers for God sake.
The RiffMarn Stew Moses
Roar Guru
Happy to say that on current form Segeyaro would be in the top 5 hookers in the game
Mark Ferguson
Roar Rookie
Farrah isn't half the Hooker Jake Friend is, Friend is better in both defence and attack and Smith is lucky he is QLD and Australian captain as Jake has been better than him this season also. As seen through my admittedly Rooster coloured glasses.
Dogs Of War
Roar Guru
He did all day yesterday.
Dogs Of War
Roar Guru
Why is John Morris in this list? He has retired as his neck is stuffed.
RALPH
Guest
Couldn't agree with you more Tiger, let them put him at 8 who cares what they say about him, I wouldn't have anyone else in Ennis's place.
Phil
Guest
Rate players who are actually playing. Nathan Peats hasnt played in 7 weeks and probably wont play again this year
George
Guest
I'd have Buttriss at the top of the list. His skills are well matched to McCrone and Campo. These 3 take the pressure off each other, in that they share their bloopers around so that one of them isn't consistently the worst player on the field.
Parrafan
Guest
I would argue that Luke's injury has probably played a role in his less than stellar form. And possibly without having a walk up in Peats banging at the door Luke feels his position is a little more secure.
Parrafan
Guest
Well if we are talking about oscar performances he ranks first. Ennis is a diving grub and a blight on the game.
Scrubbit
Guest
Am I the only one who thinks farah is being severely overrated this year?
Kevin dustby
Guest
The depth and quality of hookers is nowhere near the fullbacks
Blaze
Guest
All I have left to say is "meh"... Clearly disgruntled so there's really no point.
Rod
Guest
Yeah it's pretty much been that way since Benny Elias. I would consider Jake friend in the top 5 as well
Cadfael
Roar Guru
Sorry but the modern hooker is nothing more than a second glorified half back.
Tiger
Guest
Ha..now we are talking semantics..you say tackle I say flop.. Whatever bud..all I know he's the only hooker in the game out there in the newspaper saying how good is he is or how tough he his..he must have some inferiority complex or something..but I still stand by the fact that he is not the amazing defender his stats say he is.. Just proves that there are three types of lies.. Lies, damn lies, and statistics!!!!
Blaze
Guest
Pretty amazing work then by farah, considering a "flop" is against the rules and would be penalised... Half his tackles would be illegal and yet he consistently gets away with it huh? Wow...
Muzz
Guest
Daylights a grub : )