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.
5. Damien Cook
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.
“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.”
Yes ! Rating him 6 is too high for him, in my view. I rate Verills more highly.