Ahh, the life of an NRL number nine.
Make your 50 tackles. Better not miss any. Tired marker? You better be running the ball!
Today we round out the end-of-year positional rankings by looking at the numbers nines.
As always, this is a list of based purely on 2025 performances and isn't just a blanket top ten list in the position.
Below are the top 10 hookers from the 2025 season:
Honourable Mention: Reece Robson
7. Jeremy Marshall-King
At the peak of their powers in 2025 the Dolphins were absolutely flying. Their number nine had a large role to play in that run.
Lightning out of dummy half, JMK is always a threat. He's also able to feed his superstar teammates via crisp service. I wish there was a true stat for that.
His 19 games saw him score four tries, produce five try assists, run for almost 45 metres per game and tackle at over 94%.
If he stays fit in 2025, he'll continue to play a huge role in the side. I have no doubt Marshall-King helps lead the Phins to Finals footy next year.
I’d drop Starling below Api and Walters; in fact I think I’d have Api at #3 in the rankings. It’s hard to look good in a team that isn’t going well, but he managed it.
Nah, I think Starling has been better than Walters.