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.
3. Reece Robson
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!
“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.