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:
7. Jacob Liddle
I'm here to say right now that I believe the Dragons number nine is the most underrated hooker in the NRL.
He was magnificent for the Red V in 2024. A real highlight in a season that ended on such a negative for his club.
22 games saw him cross for five tries, assist three, ran for over 60 metres per game and tackle at 92%.
There will comments re Liddle, I am absolutely convinced. I am very confident in adding him here. He was so good and I'd argue the Dragons best across the entire season.
of the Dragons passes during the NRL Trial Match between the St George Illawarra Dragons and St Helens at WIN Stadium on February 11, 2023 in Wollongong, Australia. (Photo by Mark Kolbe/Getty Images)
