Anyone who has followed anything I have posted on this site would know that I am quite happy to make an unpopular statement. However, even I have shied away from saying what I am about to say.
I think Cameron Smith is the greatest hooker to play the game of rugby league, but right now he isn’t the best hooker in the NRL.
As a Queenslander it pains me to say this. Cameron Smith debuted for the Maroons in game three of the 2003 series and following three series losses in his first seven games for Queensland, the side has embarked on an unprecedented period of success.
He has completely changed the way that hookers are expected to play. He has it all. He is a rock in defence, he has the playmaking skills and kicking game of the best halves in the competition (with both feet I might add), and he has the vision to pick his opportunities to scoot out of dummy half and score some easy metres.
From the day he debuted until midway through last year, I felt he was uncontested as the best hooker in the game.
The NRL is, to borrow from American parlance, a copycat league. Every great player paves the way for the next wave of talent to take it just that one step further. All the great players are constantly taking and borrowing parts of each others game.
Players used to watch the way Billy Slater played in the Storm’s backline movements and now every single custodian is expected to be able to perform these skills. Guys like Matt Moylan are playing their first game in grade with all the skills required to be a playmaker from the fullback spot.
Darren Lockyer, who also revolutionised fullback play, changed the way five-eighths played the game. After Lockyer, most five-eighths are capable of taking over a first receiver and general playmaking role.
Midway through 2013 a player who had copied Smith finally passed him in almost all facets of the game. Jake Friend has the same vision Smith does, he can kick with both feet, he is a little bit quicker when he darts out of dummy-half and thus he picks up more metres and he can defend better than Smith has ever been capable of.
On Saturday night in a wet, muddy game of football against the Melbourne Storm, the Roosters ran out winners 24-12. Despite carrying a serious injury throughout the game, which may have prematurely ended his season, Jake Friend not only comprehensively outplayed Cameron Smith but while he was on the field he dominated every facet the game.
Other than Mitchell Pearce, he was the best on ground. His vision in setting up the Daniel Tupou try was Smith-esque.
It is a shame that Friend’s season may have ended prematurely because it would have been interesting to see. A strong finals series culminating in another Roosters premiership may have been enough to truly entrench himself in the debate over who is the premier nine in the comp.
If Friend is overlooked for Robbie Farah for a spot in the Australian Squad this season it will be an absolute travesty, because he might not be the greatest number nine in the comp but right now I think he might be the best.
And if he isn’t it is darn close.
Matthew Edwards
Roar Pro
Damn Those Sith! May the force be with you ;)
dallas
Guest
What a joke
Dan
Guest
To be honest, Hinchcliffe has had a bloody good year, and when he has been brought in to replace Smith, has done sufficient job. It's when they have been without Cronk, Slater and Smith that they have struggled. I think they could do with Hinchcliffe at hooker for 15-20 mins with Cronk and Slater still on the field.
Dan
Guest
What are you talking about? Bellamy and the big three will be at Storm for another 3 years.
Dan
Guest
Buderus never had a good kicking game and his tactical decision making was sketchy at best. The reason why Smith is so revered is because he has all of these skill sets. All good modern hookers have to cover a certain set of skills that they never used to, and Cam Smith is the reason why this is so.
Matthew Edwards
Guest
McCullhog as we liked to call him up in CQ (only recently moved from Mackay to Sydney) gets the worst case of white line fever I think I have ever seen. Even more so than Ennis while he was at Newcastle. His scoots out of dummy half are ineffective and if it wasn't for the brilliant play of Ben Hunt this season the broncos would have been worse than Newcastle and the Tigers. You put Friend in that Broncos team and I would have them entrenched in the top 4.
Matthew Edwards
Roar Pro
I agree. There is no sport in the world other than baseball were raw statistics are relevant.
Matthew Edwards
Roar Pro
Pearce is really good these days
Matthew Edwards
Roar Pro
I disagree. Smiths kicking is great. his kick into the corners out of dummy half that hold up inside the ten are superb. Plus he can hit with his left and right foot
MAX
Guest
Sure thing Muzz. Peats in Parra in the 8
MAX
Guest
Hi Matthew, I reckon McCullough will be in for a sensational 2015. I am a Bulldog and can appreciate the magnificent job he has done for the club with so many injuries throughout the season. The Sharks will make the 8 with M.E at No. 9. He is one of the most courageous ever.
b ward
Guest
Hahaha Farah may have better stats but he is not near the Player Smith is. Smith plays as a team player and never over plays his role as Farah does, plus Smith plays with Cooper Cronk who directs the side unlike Farah who directs most of West Tigers attack and does most of the attack. Farah Is lucky Friend or Segayaro are't avaliable for NSW, otherwise he would not be hooker or sharing the hooking duties, I rate the above 3 better than Farah.
MAX
Guest
Hi Muzz. I agree. Farah is a lemon but has the ability to play good footy
Muzz
Guest
Peats is another great 9. I'm a big fan now that he's left Souths.
Matthew Edwards
Roar Pro
i think he was trying to quantify their actual value (as percieved by him) not their contract. I think he has McCullough and Ennis to high. McCullough is ineffective and Ennis just gives up way to penalties and constantly puts the dogs on the back foot with his antics.
Muzz
Guest
MAX -Zero Tackle has Farah on $900k. Madness if accurate.
MAX
Guest
Hookers : Let's put a price on their services (seasonally adjusted) $750 Smith. $500 Friend J. $400 Luke, Ballin, Ennis, Farah, Segeyaro. $350 McCullough. $200+ All Others
Alex L
Roar Rookie
Says disappointing things about the Storm 5/8th more so than Smith's actual kicking skill I think.
Matthew Edwards
Roar Pro
I think we are sort of on the same page Muzz. Smith isn't quite what he used to be. If he is still the best number 9 in the comp it isn't by much. I don't think Segayaro is quite as good as everyone else seems to though. not yet anyway.
Matthew Edwards
Roar Pro
Definitely has a case. I'm not so sure. I watch most NRL games every week. It is getting closer and closer. I hold 2014 smith in the same regard as 2014 friend. career wise obviously it isn't even close.