Class number nines can make such a huge different to a team's fortunes.
Cameron Smith, for over a decade, pulled the strings for the Storm. Despite Melbourne losing millions of dollars of talent, they never really dipped thanks mainly to Smith's genius.
2024 saw a host of class hookers emerge. It did make ranking them very tough.
Please remember that these rankings are compiled using 2024's form only. This isn't necessarily a list of the best hookers, per se.
Below are the top 10 hookers from 2024:
9. Damien Cook
We're accustomed to seeing the Rabbitohs number nine much higher on lists like this. He was solid in 2024 but a slow start saw him fall here.
In his 23 games he crossed for four tries, assisted seven, had four line-break assists, forced two drop outs, ran for 80 metres per game and tackled at over 93%.
The former Blues rake fell into the Bunnies curse in '24. At times he was great but lacked any real consistency.
Cook will move to the Dragons next year, providing a fresh start for both club and player. I expect him to return to a higher rank in 2025.
runs the ball during the round five NRL match between the South Sydney Rabbitohs and the New Zealand Warriors at Sunshine Coast Stadium on April 13, 2019 in Sunshine Coast, Australia. (Photo by Chris Hyde/Getty Images)
