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.
2. Harry Grant
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.
“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.