Every position on the rugby league field is important but there's just something about those truly elite number nines.
Given they touch the ball more often than any other player on the field, they can change a game in the blink of an eye.
Whether that be spotting an overlap, a quick kick or a blink and you're gone run, having a world-class dummy half is almost imperative in 2022.
Here we look at the top 10 hookers from 2022. As with the previous lists, only 2022s form is taken into account.
For a player to qualify, they must have played more games at nine than elsewhere so Brandon Smith, for example, is not considered.
Verrills may very well be the most underappreciated number nine in the game. He just goes about his work with minimum fuss but, again, in 2022 he was excellent.
The fact he only played 15 games probably cost him a spot or two here but his stats were still very impressive.
Three try assists, three line breaks and three handy tries add to his 95.7% tackle efficiency and his increasingly crisp service from dummy half.
Given the talents of his halves, Verrills isn't required to fill the playmaking role many on this list do. A very handy pick up for the Titans in 2023.
Zac Woolford was a literal million to one to appear on this list in the pre-season. His move to Canberra came despite his not being first choice for the Sharks feeder team.
Fair to say he rewarded coach Ricky Stuart and made the veteran coach look very, very clever. He delivered in a big way in his rookie NRL season.
17 games saw him set up eight tries, create five line break assists, force a drop out and tackle at almost 96% efficiency.
His running game will develop with experience but Woolford's solid run on efforts allowed Tom Starling to create havoc upon coming onto the field.
Manly 25 year-old utility was one of the Sea Eagles rare consistent performers in 2022. He can be very happy with his efforts in a disrupted squad.
In his 23 games, all starting in the number nine role, he crossed for four tries, assisted six tries and four line breaks, forced two drop outs and had eight offloads.
Croker was originally thrown into the role due to circumstance but has really honed his craft. His defence, at just a touch over 90% efficiency, stands above a lot of his teammates.
Very few Manly players can truly hold their head up high in 2022 and Croker is one of those.
He may not have the name value, or rep experience, of others heading north, but JMK looks like one of the Dolphins best signings for next season.
Marshall-King completed 927 tackles at almost 94% in 2022 adding a real defensive steel to an impressive attacking presence.
His five tries, four try assists, five line break assists, nine offloads and 62 run metres per game run helped spark the Dogs attack all season.
With Reed Mahoney incoming the Dogs made a decision to not fight for JMK. Their loss is the Dolphins' gain as I'm tipping him to be a huge success in their colours.
The Sharks youngster is the most difficult to place here. On his day he's magic to watch but there are times you wonder what goes through his mind.
In attack Brailey is starting to deliver on his undoubted promise. Three tries, nine try assists, nine linebreak assists and three forced drop outs is a more than handy return.
He defends at 95% despite being one of the game's smaller number nines. On paper, he is a complete hooker and probably should be higher.
Unfortunately, a series of brain snaps, some of which saw him sat down for ten minutes, seem to hold him back. He needs to up his 43 metres run per game average in 2023.
Cook will almost undisputedly cause the most discussion in the comments. Many will say he could be a top three. At times in 2022, he very much was, but there just a few better.
That said, his 2022 was super impressive, especially considering his increased role due to the departure of a certain halfback.
Eight tries, eight try assists, 11 line break assists and a more than handy 77 metres run per game put him amongst the game's best in 2022.
Cook was marvellous for the large majority of the season. He can count himself super unlucky to have missed the Kangaroos squad.
Bulldog bound Reed Mahoney has enjoyed a brilliant career to date but really came into his own in 2022. Simply put, he was near flawless.
Eight tries, seven try assists, eight line break assists, 12 offloads and 92% of his tackles made put him in rare company.
Mahoney's service from dummy half this season was so crisp. He played a huge part in creating space for his all-star halves combo.
I cannot believe Parra didn't move heaven and earth to retain their star hooker. Bulldogs fans now have a long-term, Origin-quality number nine.
In many other seasons, Reece Robson may very well have topped the list here. He was one of the reasons the Cowboys flew to a Prelim Final.
His 2022 return was a sight to behold. Seven tries, eight try assists, seven line break assists, 12 offloads and 75 metres run per game.
Throw in his 95% tackle efficiency and a cheeky seven line breaks made himself and there's more than enough to suggest Origin selection is in his future.
It's honestly hard to find the superlatives to describe the season enjoyed by the Cowboys' number nine. A+ stuff!
Much like Robson, in any other season Grant could very well be number one here. He might even have deserved it this season such was the level of his production.
I guess he'll have to make do with a Dally M hooker of the year award, a host of Kangaroos caps and yet another Origin Series win.
Check these following stats out. Seven tries, an eye-watering 17 try assists, 15 line break assists, eight forced drop outs, 14 offloads and 93 run metres per game.
It is scary to think just how good this kid (he's still only 24) can truly be. He's been the player of the tournament thus far in the World Cup to go with his near perfect 2022 at club and Origin levels.
Apisai Koroisau had one of the all-time great individual seasons in 2022. His efforts largely fly under the radar thanks to Penrith's incredible supporting cast.
In 2022 (NRL only) he crossed for five tries, forced six drop outs, laid on 12 try assists, supplied 13 line break assists, nine offloads, eight line breaks, 44 metres run per game and tackled at 91.2%.
The reason he is number one on this list is his pure importance to the Panthers title win this year. He changed the game against Souths in the Prelim and was near perfect in the decider.
Api's leaving the club next year will be felt. He's close to unreplaceable. Tigers fans, it's time to get excited about your incoming superstar signing.