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.
4. Reed Mahoney
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.
“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.